Georgian Protests Erupt Over EU Membership Negotiations Amid Claims of Election Rigging
In Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, protests erupted for a third consecutive night, as tens of thousands of demonstrators condemned the government's recent decision to suspend negotiations for European Union membership. With tensions escalating outside the parliament building on Saturday night, demonstrators threw stones and ignited fireworks, prompting police to respond with water cannons and tear gas. According to officials, 44 individuals were hospitalized as a result of the unrest, including 27 protesters, 16 police officers, and one media worker.
The catalyst for this outrage appears to stem from the government’s announcement following a resolution from the European Parliament, which deemed last month’s parliamentary elections in Georgia as neither free nor fair. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze asserted at a briefing that any breaches of the law would be dealt with severely. He contended that the assertion that Georgia's European integration had come to a halt was untrue and that the only rejection was of what he termed the "shameful and offensive blackmail" that obstructed the country’s European aspirations.
Despite the government's claims, the discontent among the populace is palpable. An effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the governing Georgian Dream party and a controversial billionaire with ties to Russia, was set ablaze in front of the legislature, symbolizing widespread anger against the ruling party.
The interior ministry's report indicated that the violent clashes underscored the deep divide between the government and many citizens, with continued frustrations over what opposition leaders allege to be election rigging and Russia's influence in the country. On October 26, Georgians participated in a parliamentary election that opposition figures claim was manipulated to ensure a victory for the Georgian Dream party, further fueling claims that the nation is drifting towards a quasi-Russian state.
President Salome Zourabichvili, who is known for her pro-Western stance, expressed concerns on Saturday about the direction of the country under the current administration. "We are not demanding a revolution. We are asking for new elections but in conditions that will ensure that the will of the people will not be misrepresented or stolen again," she stated, reflecting a call for governance that honors democratic principles.
The European Union, which granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023, is now observing the situation with trepidation. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, and enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, released a joint statement expressing serious concern over Georgia's democratic backsliding. They urged the government to respect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and expression, while condemning the use of force against protesters and media representatives.
The turmoil in Georgia comes amidst a backdrop of political dissent, with accusations that Moscow is seeking to maintain its influence over Tbilisi. The current administration has been characterized by opposition leaders as being compliant with Russian interests, undermining the significant support among Georgians for joining the EU.
As the protests continue, it is clear that the clash between the aspirations of the Georgian populace for closer ties to Europe and the government's actions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future political landscape in the country. The next steps taken by both the authorities and the protest movement will likely determine whether Georgia can resolve its current crisis and fulfill its European ambitions.
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