Street vendors protest COVID-related regulations in Rustavi
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, December 1
Yesterday street vendors and store employees in Rustavi gathered to protest COVID-related restrictions imposed by the government. As a form of protest, they blocked traffic at the main road, where street markets are located, demanding a permit to continue working or receive financial compensation.
Along with many restrictions imposed, which entered into force on November 28, in large cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi, Gori, Poti, Zugdidi, and Telavi, open and closed markets and fairs are not allowed to operate (only fruit and vegetable markets remain open). Also, according to the regulations, retail shops can only operate remotely through a delivery service, except for groceries, pet/animal food, pharmacies, veterinarian drug stores, household chemistry and hygiene stores, press kiosks.
Protestors gathered near the so-called Istanbul market stated that they would not obey the government’s regulations and would not halt economic activities as it is the only source of income for them. According to the vendors, the suspension of their work will lead them to hunger. One of the respondents told the media that these vendors could not receive GEL300 financial assistance during the first lockdown either, since they did not have the relevant documentation.
At the request of the protestors, Rustavi city Mayor Irakli Tabagua arrived at the rally to negotiate with people to explain the reason for restrictions, however, according to the demonstrators, the mayor did not address their concerns and left the territory shortly. To a person who reported a possible hunger of her child, he replied: "Let me take your child with me then." After the mayor left, the protestors blocked the main street for 15 minutes until the police that mobilized on the ground forced them to clear the road.
According to protestors, they received threats that tractors would be used to disperse the rally. Vendors stated that they would proceed to protest until their demands are met.
The Minister of Health Ekaterine Tikaradze has responded to the event, expressing her concern over the rallies.
“I am sorry to hear that rallies are still being held and that we have not been able to communicate sufficiently and explain how important it is to suspend economic activities on all sites, the decision made by the government, headquarter, and the coordination council with the involvement of international experts,” stated Tikaradze.
Vendors did not obey the restrictions on November 29 either and received a warning from the Supervision Service. They demand to continue trading or to receive financial assistance from the government. Otherwise, they will announce permanent rallies.
