Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Georgia for the third consecutive night following the government's abrupt halt of European Union accession negotiations.
Protests Erupt in Georgia Over Halted EU Accession Talks
Protests Erupt in Georgia Over Halted EU Accession Talks
Tensions rise in Tbilisi as protests continue against government's decision to suspend EU integration.
Despite the extensive presence of riot police surrounding the parliament—epicenter of the protests—activists have gathered in major cities such as Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi, expressing their dissatisfaction over the political climate.
The country's president, Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU advocate, has vowed to remain in office until new parliamentary elections are conducted, despite a newly-elected parliament planning to replace her on December 14. Zourabichvili called the current parliament "illegitimate" in light of opposition allegations of electoral fraud in last month's elections, which resulted in the ruling party, Georgian Dream, claiming victory.
Adding to political unrest, hundreds of civil servants have publicly voiced their discontent with the government’s decision to pause EU negotiations by stating that this move contradicts national interests. Additionally, Georgia's ambassadors to Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Italy have resigned in protest.
The situation has escalated similarly to previous protests, with police employing tear gas and water cannons against crowds, leading to approximately 150 arrests in Tbilisi alone after a series of confrontations on November 29. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the use of force, stating that 50 officers were injured during clashes with "violent protesters."
The European Parliament has responded to this deepening crisis by passing a resolution that condemns the government’s actions and holds the ruling party accountable. The citizens of Georgia appear to support EU integration, evidenced by the protests calling for new elections under international supervision as a means to restore democracy.
Critics argue that Georgian Dream is leading the nation closer to Russian influence rather than adhering to its European aspirations. This sentiment is echoed by public figures, writers, and journalists who are protesting outside the national broadcaster, challenging its complicity with government narratives.
The U.S. State Department has also condemned the excessive force used against peaceful protesters and called for dialogue to ensure the situation does not escalate further. As the protests continue, the future of Georgia’s EU aspirations remains uncertain, mirroring the deeply polarized political landscape within the country.
The country's president, Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU advocate, has vowed to remain in office until new parliamentary elections are conducted, despite a newly-elected parliament planning to replace her on December 14. Zourabichvili called the current parliament "illegitimate" in light of opposition allegations of electoral fraud in last month's elections, which resulted in the ruling party, Georgian Dream, claiming victory.
Adding to political unrest, hundreds of civil servants have publicly voiced their discontent with the government’s decision to pause EU negotiations by stating that this move contradicts national interests. Additionally, Georgia's ambassadors to Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Italy have resigned in protest.
The situation has escalated similarly to previous protests, with police employing tear gas and water cannons against crowds, leading to approximately 150 arrests in Tbilisi alone after a series of confrontations on November 29. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the use of force, stating that 50 officers were injured during clashes with "violent protesters."
The European Parliament has responded to this deepening crisis by passing a resolution that condemns the government’s actions and holds the ruling party accountable. The citizens of Georgia appear to support EU integration, evidenced by the protests calling for new elections under international supervision as a means to restore democracy.
Critics argue that Georgian Dream is leading the nation closer to Russian influence rather than adhering to its European aspirations. This sentiment is echoed by public figures, writers, and journalists who are protesting outside the national broadcaster, challenging its complicity with government narratives.
The U.S. State Department has also condemned the excessive force used against peaceful protesters and called for dialogue to ensure the situation does not escalate further. As the protests continue, the future of Georgia’s EU aspirations remains uncertain, mirroring the deeply polarized political landscape within the country.
