Protests erupted in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, following the government’s announcement to delay European Union accession discussions. This decision, made by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, comes in the wake of a non-binding resolution from the European Parliament which rejected the results of contentious parliamentary elections held in October, citing significant irregularities. The Parliament has called for new elections and proposed sanctions against key officials, including Kobakhidze.
The announcement led to thousands gathering outside the parliament, where confrontations with law enforcement escalated. Masked riot police deployed rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons in attempts to disperse the crowd. Reports indicated that 43 individuals were arrested during the protests, while 32 police officers sustained injuries. Some demonstrators reportedly threw fireworks at police, while others attempted to breach barricades set outside the parliament.
President Salome Zurabichvili, a vocal advocate for EU integration and a critic of the ruling Georgian Dream party, condemned the government’s actions, declaring that it had “declared not peace, but war against its own people.” She challenged the police regarding their allegiance and criticized the detention of journalists, emphasizing that they had been disproportionately targeted while exercising their duties.
The backdrop to these protests is a perceived shift in Georgia’s political landscape. Kobakhidze, whose party has faced accusations of democratic regression and increasing ties with Russia, labeled the EU’s resolution as “blackmail.” He announced a halt to EU accession talks until 2028, with the target of membership set for 2030, alongside a refusal to accept EU budgetary assistance during this period.
Zurabichvili has initiated legal proceedings in the Constitutional Court to contest the legitimacy of the election, alleging it was influenced by Russian interference. She is set to remain in office until December, after which a new president will be elected by an electoral college largely influenced by Georgian Dream.
In a significant development, Georgian Dream has nominated far-right politician Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer known for his hardline, anti-Western rhetoric, to succeed Zurabichvili. This nomination raises concerns among EU officials regarding Georgia’s trajectory towards increased alignment with Russian policies.
Kobakhidze’s decision to suspend EU talks signals a troubling juncture in Georgia’s relationship with the 27-member bloc. Despite being granted candidate status in December 2023, a series of legislative measures enacted by the Georgian Dream, perceived as inspired by Russian law, have posed significant barriers to Georgia’s EU aspirations.
This situation speaks volumes about the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region and Georgia’s delicate position between Western aspirations and Russian influence.
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