Georgia Erupts in Protests as Government Delays EU Membership
Tbilisi, Georgia – Thousands of Georgians poured onto the streets, clashing with police in a dramatic display of anger after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the country would postpone accession talks with the European Union. The move, characterized by many as a significant blow to Georgia’s pro-Western aspirations, ignited a nationwide surge of protests.
On Friday night, Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare became a battleground as demonstrators blocked traffic outside parliament, chanting against the government’s decision.
“The self-proclaimed government of the Georgian Dream party is doing everything possible to destroy Georgia’s chances of joining the EU,” one teacher, Laura Kekelidze, 39, declared amidst the swirling crowd. “They know that their authoritarian system is not compatible with EU membership. But Georgians belong to Europe, and that is why we are here on the streets today," she said.
The government’s decision, announced on Thursday, sparked immediate outrage. Many viewed it as a betrayal of the nation’s yearning for closer ties with the European Union.
The demonstrations quickly escalated into violent clashes. Police deployed rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons in an effort to disperse the crowds, leading to reports of injured activists and journalists.
Two prominent opposition politicians, Elene Hoštarija and Nana Malaškija, were among those hospitalized. Hoštarija suffered a broken arm, while Malashiya sustained a broken nose.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported 32 officers injured and announced the arrest of 43 individuals for alleged violations during the unrest. The list of detainees even included Zviads Ratiani, a renowned Georgian poet.
Kobakhidze sought to quell the fury by insisting his words were misinterpreted, blaming the opposition and the EU ambassador for distorting his message. He reaffirmed his commitment to EU membership by 2030, prioritizing it as a key goal.
However, his reassurances met with skepticism. The Council of Europe issued a sharp condemnation of the crackdown on protesters, urging Georgia to uphold "European values."
International allies also expressed their concerns. Ukraine and Poland voiced their disappointment with Tbilisi’s decision, with Kyiv accusing the Georgian government of pandering to Moscow. The British Foreign Office echoed these anxieties, expressing alarm over the silencing of peaceful demonstrations.
The tumult in Georgia stems from a broader political crisis engulfing the nation. Contested parliamentary elections on October 26 saw the ruling "Georgian Dream" party declared victorious, though opposition parties and President Salome Zurabishvili vehemently disputed the results, labelling them as fraudulent.
This dispute has fueled a deep constitutional crisis. Zurabishvili, a vocal supporter of closer EU ties, argues that the new parliamentary session is illegitimate and has launched a legal battle through the Constitutional Court to annul the election results.
Legal experts warn that the decisions made by the new parliament, including the reappointment of Kobakhidze as Prime Minister, are potentially void due to the ongoing legal challenge. Vakhtang Hmaladze, a contributor to Georgia’s constitution, underlined the gravity of the situation: "From a legal point of view, a head of government approved by an illegitimate parliament is equally illegitimate. Since democratic state institutions no longer exist, Georgian statehood is facing an urgent crisis," he stated.
Adding to the pressure, the European Parliament weighed in with a scathing resolution. It criticized the October elections as neither free nor fair, demanding a new vote within a year.
As Georgia teeters on the brink of political instability, the international community watches with concern. The outcome of this struggle will have far-reaching consequences for Georgia’s future, both domestically and on the world stage.
2024-11-29 22:09:00
#Protests #ban #accession #talks #continue #Georgia
## Georgia’s EU Aspirations in crisis: A Closer Look
**Exclusive Interview wiht Dr. Sophia Katsaros, Caucasus Expert, Oxford University**
The streets of Tbilisi erupted in anger this week following the Georgian government’s decision too delay EU accession talks. Thousands of Georgians took to the streets, clashing with police in a dramatic display of discontent.
To understand the unfolding situation,we spoke with Dr.Sophia Katsaros, a leading Caucasus expert at Oxford University.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Katsaros, the postponing of EU accession talks has provoked a strong reaction in Georgia. Can you shed light on why this issue is so intensely felt by the Georgian peopel?
**Dr. Katsaros:** This is more than just a political decision; it’s a profound blow to the aspirations of many Georgians. For years, Georgia has positioned itself as a beacon of democracy and western values in the South Caucasus, striving to break away from its turbulent past. EU membership symbolizes a future of stability, prosperity, and integration with the European family. The government’s decision is perceived as a betrayal of this vision and a step back from their European aspirations.
**World-Today-News:** How do you assess the government’s explanation for the delay, citing the need for “more time” to meet EU standards?
**Dr. Katsaros:** While meeting the EU’s stringent accession criteria is undoubtedly a complex and lengthy process, the sudden announcement after years of positive progress raises eyebrows. Critics argue that the government may be using this as a pretext to avoid deeper reforms, especially regarding democratic principles and rule of law, areas where concerns have been raised.
**World-Today-News:** What are the potential ramifications of this decision, both domestically and internationally?
**Dr. Katsaros:** Domestically, the government risks deepening political polarization and encouraging distrust towards institutions. The protests clearly demonstrate the simmering anger and frustration among the population, particularly the younger generation.
International repercussions are also likely. This move could damage georgia’s image as a reliable partner and raise concerns within the EU about the country’s commitment to European values. It could also embolden Russia, which has traditionally viewed Georgia’s westward trajectory with suspicion.
**World-Today-News:** What options are available to the EU and the international community to address this situation?
**Dr. Katsaros:** The EU must tread carefully, balancing its commitment to promoting democracy and respecting Georgia’s sovereignty. They should continue to engage with civil society and support pro-democracy initiatives while urging the government to uphold its commitments and implement necesary reforms. International partners can also play a vital role by expressing their concerns and encouraging dialog between the government and opposition.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Katsaros, thank you for your insightful analysis. The situation in Georgia is undoubtedly at a critical juncture. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this decision and the future direction of the country.
**Stay tuned to World-Today-News.com for ongoing updates on this developing story.**
