Tens of thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets to protest the government’s decision to halt EU membership talks for four years. Demonstrations, now in their fourth night, have turned violent, reflecting deep-seated frustration over perceived authoritarianism and a pivot away from the West.
Mass Protests Grip the Capital
Central Tbilisi has become the epicenter of a growing nationwide movement. Protesters gathered outside the parliament building, many waving Georgian and EU flags, demanding a reversal of the government’s decision. Demonstrators threw stones and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons, leading to dozens of injuries.
The symbolic burning of an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, highlighted public anger. Ivanishvili’s extensive business ties to Russia have fueled suspicions that the government’s policies are moving Georgia closer to Moscow’s influence.
Violence and Escalation
Scenes of chaos unfolded late into Sunday night. Clashes between police and protesters resulted in 44 hospitalizations, with many others treated for tear gas exposure. Despite the risks, crowds remained resolute, chanting slogans in support of European integration and denouncing government actions.
Protester Ana Kapanadze, a 26-year-old student, described the moment as pivotal. “This isn’t just about the EU talks. It’s about our freedom, our identity, and rejecting a future dictated by Russia,” she said.
Nationwide Discontent Spreads
While Tbilisi has seen the largest gatherings, smaller protests have erupted across the country. From Poti, where demonstrators blocked access to the vital Black Sea port, to Khashuri, where Georgian Dream offices were pelted with eggs, the unrest is widespread.
In Kutaisi, hundreds of university students organized sit-ins, calling on international organizations to intervene. Their banners bore messages like “Georgia Belongs in Europe” and “No to Authoritarianism.”
The protests underline a broader dissatisfaction with the government’s direction and policies perceived as eroding democratic freedoms.
Growing Concerns of Democratic Backsliding
Internationally, the EU and U.S. have voiced alarm over what they describe as Georgia’s democratic backsliding. The suspension of EU membership talks has been labeled a step backward for a nation that has long aspired to integrate with Western institutions.
Key criticisms include:
- The controversial “foreign agents” law, seen as a move to stifle dissent and civil society.
- The government’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, further alienating pro-European advocates.
- Alleged electoral irregularities, with opposition parties and President Salome Zourabichvili contesting recent poll outcomes.
Political Leadership Under Fire
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze remains unmoved by both domestic protests and international rebukes. He dismissed the U.S. criticism and vowed to address the issue with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump in January. Kobakhidze has framed the unrest as foreign interference aimed at destabilizing Georgia.
In contrast, President Zourabichvili has become a vocal ally of the protesters. She has refused to vacate her post when her term ends, citing the illegitimacy of the current parliament to elect her successor. “Georgia’s future is European,” she declared, adding that the government’s decisions were betraying the will of the people.
Table: Key Implications of Georgia’s Decision to Suspend EU Talks
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Democratic Backsliding | Critics point to authoritarian policies, including restrictive laws and questionable elections. |
| Western Relations | U.S. and EU have expressed deep concern, with the U.S. suspending strategic cooperation. |
| Russian Influence | The government’s actions have raised fears of aligning closer with Moscow. |
| Public Discontent | Nationwide protests reveal a population increasingly frustrated with the ruling party’s agenda. |
A Crossroads Moment for Georgia
The protests highlight a critical juncture for Georgia. Once celebrated as a beacon of democratic reform in the post-Soviet space, the country now faces significant internal and external challenges. Whether the government reverses course or doubles down on its current trajectory will shape Georgia’s future for years to come.
