Opposition blames Tbilisi Gov’t for fatal building collapse, launches new campaign

A fatal building collapse in central Tbilisi on Monday has sparked political backlash, with the opposition party Gakharia for Georgia accusing the city authorities of negligence, corruption, and failure to act on longstanding safety risks.

Tata Khvedeliani, chairman of the party’s Tbilisi faction, said at a press briefing on Tuesday that the deaths of two people on Tevdore Mghvdli Street were not only a “terrible tragedy” but also the direct result of the Tbilisi government’s “indifference, incompetence, corruption, and irresponsibility.”

“This could have been prevented,” Khvedeliani claimed. “The law mandates City Hall to act - even without the residents’ consent - when a building poses a threat to human life. Protecting lives is not a matter of goodwill; it is a legal obligation.”

Khvedeliani also criticised Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze for what she described as a “cynical” public response to the tragedy and accused him of attempting to deflect responsibility.

The incident, which occurred on 14 July near Station Square, left two people dead and one injured. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation under Article 240 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to breaches of safety rules in construction or operation of industrial facilities. The injured person remains in hospital, while emergency crews continue rescue and recovery efforts.

In response to the collapse, Gakharia for Georgia has launched a social media campaign under the hashtag #AvaruliTbilisi (translated as Collapsing Tbilisi), calling on citizens to share photos of unsafe residential buildings and tag city officials to prompt urgent action.

“There are nearly 10,000 dangerously dilapidated buildings in Tbilisi,” Khvedeliani claimed, naming specific locations near the Baratashvili Bridge, the Sameba Cathedral, and across the districts of Chugureti and Krtsanisi. “Our team will try to respond immediately to every report. City Hall must act.”

She also accused city officials of turning a blind eye to public safety while exploiting the urban decay for corrupt construction deals.

“This isn’t just about politics,” Khvedeliani added. “It’s about life and death. Even supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party are not safe under this government.”