While the Christian Democrats are unhappy with President Mikheil Saakashvili, they don’t believe that demanding his resignation is the way to handle it.

“People are getting used to revolutions and there is a danger that a few years later they will try to do the same,” said Levan Vepkhvadze, the party’s secretary-general. “It’s impossible to solve the problems in the country with such radical methods.” 

His party is interested in negotiating with Saakashvili about reforming government institutions he’s been accused of stripping to have more control: the courts, expanding Parliament’s power in the constitution and changes in the electoral system are the party’s main priorities.

Specifically, said Vepkhvadze, the party is advocating that Georgia should become parliamentary republic, with a president chosen by Parliament.

In part, Vepkhvadze is worried that people have become too accustomed to revolution as a method of changing power.

“Revolution is eating those who gave birth to the revolution,” he said. “I’m not sure that the one who came to power via revolution won’t replicate the present situation. We are becoming the “Banana Republic” where once in a year a new leader takes power.”

“The world was watching and we proved once again that we are a European democracy”- stated Saakashvili.

In a press conference at noon, Saakashvili stated that “democracy in Georgia took a major step forward yesterday on April 9th. Thousands of protestors expressed their democratic rights by showing their concerns about their elected government.”

President Mikheil Saakashvili "I call on all demonstrators and all relevant Government agencies to act with the same care, respect, and peaceful approach, as they did yesterday "

Saakashvili expressed his satisfaction that violence didn’t take place during the demonstrations from none of the sides: neither from the demonstrators nor from the Police. He also pointed out that his plans for dealing with protesters was transparent, as he briefed partner governments and the press on his plans to maintain order during the demonstrations.

He challenged opposition leaders to sit down and discuss reforms to the electoral code, changing the constitution to strengthen parliament’s role, and instituting a direction election for the mayor of Tbilisi.

“These are all part of the democratic process and it is our collective responsibility to carry this transformation forward – together,” he said.

People at the 9 April Memorial, Lighting the Candels. Photo by Vusula Alibayli

Protestors at the Rustaveli Avenue. Photo by Vusala Alibayli

Protestors in front of the Building of Parliamet. Photo by Vusala Alibayli

Student chanting: "Go Go Go Misha" and carrying flag- Protect Georgia. Photo by Giorgi Pkhachiashvili.

Students at the State University:" Say no to bloody regime". Photo by Giorgi Pkhachiashvili

Elder Generation Supporting the Youth. Photo by Giorgi Pkhachiashvili

Nino Burjanadze accompanied by her sons and protestors. Photo by Giorgi Pkhachiashvili

Opposition activist handing out flags saying "Protect Georgia" in front of Avlabari metro station. Photo by Sabina Akbarova.

Movement for United Georgia marching to the Administration of the President. Photo by Sabina Akberova.