New political Movement for Social Democracy launched in Tbilisi amid protests

A new political movement, Movement for Social Democracy, has been officially launched in the Georgian capital amid ongoing protests in Georgia against the Government’s decision last year to halt EU integration until 2028.

The initiative was presented by its organizers at the monument to Egnate Ninoshvili, a symbolic figure in Georgia’s social democratic history.

The movement includes members such as Vakhushti Menabde, Elene Pasuri, and Levan Lortkipanidze, among others. According to the organizers, the movement aims to stand with the people and address their needs.

Speaking at the event, Menabde, an expert of constitution, addressed recent speculation about the formation of a leftist-leaning political initiative.

“In the past weeks, a rumor has spread that people involved in the resistance, who are sometimes called leftists, are up to something. You know where the leftists are – we are part of the resistance, and we are where the people need us. Today, we are here to tell you – this rumor is true,” Menabde said.

He also drew historical parallels between the new movement and Georgia’s first social democratic movement, which was established 130 years ago.

“One hundred and thirty years ago, at the burial of Egnate Ninoshvili in Guria, western Georgia, the first Georgian social democratic movement was founded, which brought independence to this country. Today, 130 years later, on February 17, on Egnate Ninoshvili’s birthday, we gathered at his bust to tell you – we are here, we are together, and our name is ‘Movement for Social Democracy,'” he added.