America News Agency

Sunday’s protests followed months of tensions fueled by critics of the ruling Georgian Dream party, who accuse it of steering the country away from greater integration with Europe and towards Russia.

Tensions escalated after the government announced last week that it would freeze EU talks for four years. Protesters also condemned the excessive use of tear gas and water cannons by police.

On Sunday, anger was further ignited when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rejected calls for new parliamentary elections.

Asked if the elections would be repeated, the prime minister told reporters, "Of course not," adding, "The formation of a new government based on the October 26 parliamentary elections is complete."

President Salome Zurabishvili, a supporter of EU membership, called on the Constitutional Court to annul the election results and declared the new parliament and government "illegitimate."

Zurabishvili, whose term ends this month, announced on Saturday that she would not step aside until the elections are repeated.

The Georgian Dream party has nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, a far-right former international football player, for the largely ceremonial presidency.

On Sunday, protesters gathered again in the capital Tbilisi, mostly on central Rustaveli Avenue, waving EU and Georgian flags. Some wore diving masks to protect themselves from tear gas.

Georgian media reported protests in at least eight cities and towns.

At least 150 protesters were arrested nationwide.

Both the US and the EU expressed their support for the protesters, voicing concerns about the country's apparent shift towards Russia.