Protests Erupt in Tbilisi as Georgia Halts EU Membership Negotiations
Tensions escalated in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, as thousands took to the streets to protest the government's abrupt cancellation of negotiations for EU membership. Demonstrators gathered near the Parliament building, demanding that the leadership reconsider its decision. The scene was heavily monitored by armed police, who cordoned off the area surrounding public buildings in anticipation of unrest.
The protests turned violent after midnight, with security forces deploying pepper spray and water cannons against the crowds. Reports indicate that some demonstrators faced rubber bullets, though exact details remain murky. Injuries were reported on both sides, with at least 18 police officers hurt and an unknown number of protesters suffering injuries as well. Some arrests were made, as unrest continued into the early hours of the morning.
In addition to Tbilisi, protests with pro-European sentiments were noted in several other cities, including Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, and Zugdidi. Notably, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili joined demonstrators in Tbilisi, urging security forces to refrain from violent action against peaceful protests. Zourabichvili also called for a repeat of parliamentary elections from late October, which were marred by allegations of fraud that favored the ruling party, Georgian Dream.
The atmosphere intensified on Thursday afternoon when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the cessation of the EU accession process. He stated that Georgia would not engage in negotiations with Brussels until the end of 2028 and would reject any EU budget grants until that time. Kobakhidze characterized EU criticism regarding the ruling party's increasingly authoritarian stance as undue pressure on Georgia.
Georgia, which gained EU membership candidate status alongside Ukraine and Moldova in December 2023, saw its aspirations dampened by the government's Euroskeptic approach and moves to impose controls on civil society. This shift has drawn comparisons to tactics employed by Russia to limit foreign influence within its borders. As relations between Tbilisi and Brussels deteriorated, the opposition parties remained steadfast in their support for maintaining a European trajectory, accusing the government of manipulating the electoral process to secure its hold on power.
In the face of rising tensions and public clamor for change, the future of Georgia’s European aspirations remains uncertain. With the opposition calling for action against the ruling party and widespread dissent growing, the country stands at a crossroads, balancing the desire for integration with the stark realities of its political landscape.
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