Gorgia suspends it decision to join EU causes outcry among citizens

Introduction

Georgia’s decision to suspend its EU membership bid until 2028 has sparked widespread outcry and protests among its citizens:

Government’s Decision

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of EU accession talks for four years

The ruling Georgian Dream party accused the EU of “blackmail” and attempting to “instigate a revolution”

Georgia will also reject all budgetary grants from the EU until 2028

Public Reaction

Massive Protests:

Thousands of protesters flooded the streets surrounding the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi

Demonstrations erupted in other cities across the country

Citizens are accusing the government of siding with Moscow and betraying Georgia’s future

Opposition Response:

Opposition parties are boycotting the new parliament, refusing to recognize its legitimacy

Giorgi Vashadze, a prominent opposition leader, called the decision a “betrayal of Georgia and the Georgian people”

International Concerns

The European Parliament condemned the October 26 elections as “neither free nor fair”

EU lawmakers called for new elections under international supervision within a year

The EU has already suspended Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely

Domestic Political Tensions

President Salome Zourabichvili, whose term ends next month, rejected the election results

She described the situation as a “coup” aimed at steering Georgia away from Europe and towards Russia

The ruling party has nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, known for anti-Western views, as its presidential candidate

Public Sentiment

Surveys indicate that approximately 80% of Georgians support EU membership

The EU flag is prominently displayed alongside the national flag at most government buildings

Critics argue that the Georgian Dream party is leading the country back towards Moscow’s influence

Conclusion

The government’s decision has intensified the political divide in Georgia, with many citizens viewing it as a significant setback to their European aspirations and a threat to the country’s democratic future.