Georgia Faces Growing Unrest Amid EU Membership Suspension
Protesters in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, have been rallying for four consecutive nights, reflecting widespread discontent with the government's decision to suspend discussions on joining the European Union. The protests are indicative of a rising wave of opposition against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has come under fire for adopting authoritarian measures and shifting towards pro-Russian policies.
The country, with a population of 37 million, has experienced escalating tensions as the government announced a four-year freeze on EU talks. This prompted thousands of pro-EU demonstrators to clash with police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. The protests, however, are not limited to Tbilisi; reports indicate demonstrations have spread to at least eight other cities and towns. In Poti, a key port city, protesters blocked access roads, while in Khashuri, local residents expressed their discontent by vandalizing the Georgian Dream office and removing the party's flag.
The recent developments have alarmed both the EU and the United States, who fear Georgia is deviating from its pro-Western trajectory. The ruling Georgian Dream party defends its actions as necessary measures to maintain the nation's sovereignty amidst alleged foreign interference.
In a stark warning, Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev mentioned on Telegram that Georgia risks falling into a similar situation as Ukraine, describing the current protests as a revolutionary attempt that often ends badly. The Kremlin has yet to publicly address these events, but has historically accused the West of instigating unrest in countries within its sphere of influence.
Georgia's Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, has pushed back against U.S. criticism regarding police violence during the protests, insisting that the law enforcement officials performed to higher standards than those in Western countries. He downplayed the U.S.'s recent announcement to suspend strategic partnerships with Georgia, claiming it was a temporary setback that would be resolved with the upcoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
The political crisis has deepened with outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili—an advocate for EU integration—stating her intention to remain in office past her term’s end, citing a lack of legitimacy in the newly elected parliament, which she claims was rigged. Kobakhidze has acknowledged Zourabichvili's emotional state but affirmed that she must vacate the presidential residence once her term concludes.
In light of the current turmoil, hundreds of diplomats and civil servants have signed open letters denouncing the halt on EU talks as unconstitutional, emphasizing that aspirations to join the EU are enshrined in Georgia's constitution. The cancelation prompted several senior diplomats, including the ambassador to Washington, to resign in protest.
Georgia’s foreign ministry accused foreign states of interfering in its affairs and declared that such actions were unacceptable. Historically, since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has aligned itself with Western countries, striving to diminish Russian influence, despite the complications arising from the brief conflict with Russia in 2008 over territorial disputes. In 2022, Georgia was granted official candidate status for EU membership, raising hopes of integration into Western political and economic frameworks. However, growing concerns about Georgian Dream’s intentions have been magnified by controversial new laws that restrict NGO operations and LGBT rights.
The government maintains that its policies are meant to protect the country’s sovereignty and prevent a recurrence of conflict with Russia. Recently inaugurated EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, emphasizing EU support for the Georgian people's desire for a European future and condemning violence directed at protesters. Kallas lamented the ruling party's signals against pursuing EU membership, warning of the potential repercussions for Georgia's international relationships.
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