Georgian Diplomats and Citizens Rally Against EU Accession Halt Amidst Rising Tensions
Following the Georgian government's controversial decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, over a hundred diplomats voiced their opposition through an open letter, asserting that the decree was unconstitutional. This declaration came after a statement from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who characterized criticisms from the EU regarding the nation's growing authoritarianism as undue pressure.
On Thursday, in a significant development, Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would not engage in negotiations with Brussels for the foreseeable future and would reject any EU budget grants during this period. The Prime Minister's words resonated with discontent among the citizens, prompting massive protests in the capital city, Tbilisi, shortly after his announcement.
Thousands rallied near the parliament building, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government's decision. The Interior Ministry reported escalated tensions, with some demonstrators trying to dismantle police barriers. A strong contingent of armed officers was deployed to secure public premises. Pro-European sentiments echoed not just in Tbilisi but across other cities like Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, and Zugdidi, where citizens demonstrated their support for EU integration.
The protests turned violent, leading to injuries for numerous individuals, including key opposition figures. Law enforcement employed water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray in an attempt to control the situation, resulting in 43 arrests and 32 injuries among police officers. The opposition party, Coalition for Change, condemned the violence, highlighting a tumultuous environment where two of its leaders were reportedly attacked by law enforcement officials, and vowed to stage further protests.
In a show of solidarity, President Salome Zurabishvili joined the Tbilisi protests, calling upon security forces to refrain from reacting violently against demonstrators. The President also urged for a repeat of the parliamentary elections held in October, which were marred by allegations of electoral manipulation favoring the ruling party, Georgian Dream.
Georgia, having been granted EU candidate status alongside Ukraine and Moldova in December 2023, saw its relationship with the European Union rapidly deteriorate over recent months. The ruling party's increasing authoritarian stance and efforts to curb foreign influence have raised concerns reminiscent of tactics seen in Russia. As a result, Brussels has paused its rapprochement with Georgia amid these developments.
Public sentiment in Georgia appears to lean heavily toward EU integration, with polls indicating that approximately 80% of citizens support membership. EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, criticized the government's recent actions, labeling the violence against peaceful protesters as regrettable and contrary to the historical pro-European stance of previous Georgian governments. This backlash not only challenges internal political dynamics but also questions the legitimacy of the ruling party amid allegations of electoral tampering and declining civil liberties.
As the situation unfolds, the opposition remains committed to its pro-European agenda, calling for a restoration of democratic norms in light of growing authoritarianism. The unrest in Georgia highlights a critical juncture in the country’s political trajectory, as citizens rally for their aspirations of joining the European community against a backdrop of governmental resistance.
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