Unrest in Georgia spreads appealing withdraw from EU membership
Introduction
The unrest in Georgia has intensified and spread across the country as protests against the government’s decision to suspend European Union membership talks enter their fourth consecutive night. The situation has escalated significantly, with demonstrations expanding beyond the capital Tbilisi to at least eight other cities and towns.
Widespread Protests
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside the parliament in Tbilisi, waving EU flags and clashing with police.
Protesters have blocked a major access road to the commercial port in Poti.
In Khashuri, demonstrators threw eggs at a local Georgian Dream party office.
Road blockades have been set up in various locations across the country.
Escalating Tensions
The situation has become increasingly volatile:
Police have used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets against protesters.
Demonstrators have retaliated with fireworks and by burning effigies.
Over 150 protesters have been detained nationwide.
More than 40 people were injured on Saturday alone, including 27 protesters, 16 police officers, and one media worker.
Government Response
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has:
Dismissed calls for new parliamentary elections.
Accused the opposition of plotting to overthrow the government.
Criticized US pressure, calling it a “temporary setback”.
Warned that “any violation of the law will be met with the full rigor of the law”.
International Reaction
The protests have drawn significant international attention:
The US has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia.
The EU has expressed solidarity with demonstrators and warned against excessive force.
Russia is closely monitoring the situation, with former president Dmitry Medvedev claiming an attempted revolution is underway.
Root Cause
The unrest stems from the Georgian government’s decision to:
Suspend EU accession talks until 2028.
Reject budgetary grants from the EU until the end of 2028.
Conclusion
This decision came after the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections as neither free nor fair, and calling for new elections within a year.
As the situation continues to evolve, opposition groups are calling for a united stand against the government’s controversial policies, while President Salome Zurabishvili has denounced the recent parliamentary elections as illegitimate and called for pressure on the Constitutional Court to annul the results.
