Students from Georgia's largest universities held a protest in Tbilisi.

The Georgian Education Minister announced the merger of Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University, after which students from both universities held protests in Tbilisi. They stated that the reform aims to reduce the teaching staff by firing government critics.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on January 28, supporters of Georgia's European integration gathered for a protest outside the parliament building in Tbilisi for the 427th consecutive day. Activists who had served sentences for blocking a sidewalk also participated in the protest.

Students from Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University held a protest against the reform, which, according to Education Minister Givi Mikanadze, involves the merger of the two universities. These are the two oldest universities in the country, with a combined enrollment of approximately 50,000 students, according to the Novosti-Georgia news agency.

The protesters stated that the political goal of the reform is to reduce the teaching staff and fire those who criticize the Georgian Dream, Interpressnews reports.

Students gathered in TSU Building 1 demanded a meeting with Rector Jaba Samushia, reminding them that the rector is obligated to protect the university from government interference and steps that would degrade the quality of education. Samushia ignored the demand for a meeting, and the demonstrators vowed to continue protesting until he met with students. They then marched from TSU to Building 5 of the Technical University to join the protesting representatives of that university there.

A rally against the reform also took place near the Georgian Technical University. In addition to students, it was attended by faculty members, including professors, and civil activists. Protesters came to the rally with banners reading "The 104-year-old university is not for sale" and "Don't take away our identity." Students have announced a rally for tomorrow, January 30, under the slogan "Defend the history of GTU!" It will begin at noon, Tbilisi_life reports.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. Over the course of the protests, more than 1,000 people were subjected to administrative prosecution. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protest Participants in Georgia".