On February 28, 2006, hundreds of people gathered in front of the Georgian Parliament to protest the mandatory introduction of cash registers for market vendors. Demonstrators opposed the new law requiring traders to use cash registers starting March 1, warning that violators would face fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 GEL. Vendors argued that purchasing the devices, which cost around 300 GEL, would impose a severe financial burden. The protests continued on March 1 in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Gori, where some vendors claimed local authorities prevented them from joining the main rally in the capital.

The demonstrations were organized by the Labour Party, and on March 3, representatives of the Republican Party, New Rights, and Conservatives met to coordinate a unified opposition strategy. They demanded the gradual introduction of the cash register requirement. On March 9, another rally was held in front of Parliament, gathering 2,000–3,000 people. Police barred demonstrators from blocking Rustaveli Avenue, resulting in minor clashes, after which protesters marched toward the State Chancellery.

The demonstrations spread to other Georgian cities and continued throughout March, but the government refused to reverse the policy. Over time, the protests broadened to include criticism of the government’s overall policies, merging with rallies demanding an objective investigation into the Sandro Girgvliani case.