Georgia Erupts in Protests as EU Membership Bid Stalls
Tbilisi, Georgia: Thousands have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, in a wave of demonstrations that has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape. The protests were triggered by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s controversial move to withdraw its application for European Union membership, a decision that has outraged many Georgians who have long looked towards the West for closer ties.
The upheaval has sparked a cascade of resignations within the Georgian government. High-profile figures, including ambassadors to Italy, the Netherlands, and Lithuania, along with Deputy Foreign Minister Temur Janjali, have stepped down in protest against the withdrawal.
"What we see is this resistance has really gone beyond previous public demonstrations," notedTinatin Akhvlediani, a senior researcher at the Centre for European Policy Studies. "The ruling Georgian Dream party is in a precarious position because it’s difficult to see how they can justify this announcement given the overwhelming support for joining the EU. It seems they will utilize all their resources to silence the people."
Adding fuel to the fire, President Salome Zourabichvili, who has previously accused Georgian Dream of rigging October’s parliamentary elections, publicly challenged the government’s authority. "The government has ‘no mandate’ to stay in power," she declared in a statement on Saturday, emphasizing that the unrest was "not a revolution, but a call for stability." Zourabichvili has urged the EU to intervene and oversee new elections in an effort to quell the growing turmoil.
The European Parliament echoed these concerns earlier this week in a resolution stating that Georgia’s October election was "neither free nor fair," mirroring the findings of international election observers. Despite these criticisms, Georgian Dream secured a solid majority in the election amidst growing concerns over its rift with the EU and the country’s fervent desire to become a member.
The crisis has ignited calls for decisive action from the bloc’s new leadership. Nathalie Louiseau, a French MEP and vice-chair of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association, urged the EU’s top officials — foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, incoming European Council President Antonio Costa, and enlargement boss Marta Kos — to travel to Tbilisi, engage with the President and protesters, and push for new elections.
This latest political upheaval comes on the heels of the EU’s decision in July to freeze Georgia’s EU membership application. This freeze was a direct consequence of the ruling party’s introduction of controversial legislation that mirrored Russia’s crackdown on dissent, branding Western-backed NGOs as "foreign agents" and suppressing LGBTQ+ rights.
The authorities responded to these protests with force, deploying tear gas and batons against crowds, while opposition figures were detained and assaulted. The United States has already imposed sanctions on Georgian Dream politicians and police chiefs involved in the violence, and the U.N.’s special rapporteur on freedom of assembly has called for restraint, deeming reports of police brutality "disturbing."
The future of Georgia’s relationship with the EU hangs precariously as the nation grapples with its political crisis. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the EU can solidify its ties with Georgia amidst this deepening turbulence.
## Georgia’s EU Dilemma: An Expert Analysis
**World Today News** sat down with **Dr. Tamar Mchedlishvili**,a leading expert on Georgian politics adn EU integration at the Institute for Georgian Studies,to understand the complex situation unfolding in Tbilisi.
**WTN:** Dr. Mchedlishvili, thousands are protesting in Tbilisi following the Georgian Dream party’s decision to withdraw its EU membership application. What are the underlying causes of this public backlash?
**Dr. Mchedlishvili:** This isn’t just about EU membership; it’s about unmet aspirations and a sense of betrayal. For years, Georgians have been consistently vocal about their European aspirations, seeing EU membership as a path to a brighter future – greater economic opportunity, democratic reforms, and security guarantees. The Georgian Dream government’s sudden withdrawal feels like a repudiation of these hopes and a betrayal of the public’s trust.
**WTN:** Why did the Georgian Dream party take this controversial step?
**Dr. Mchedlishvili:** The official reason given is that the EU criteria were “unrealistic” and “politically charged,” implying they were being unfairly held to stricter standards than other candidates.However, many beleive this is a cynical ploy to deflect blame for Georgia’s stalled progress on reforms mandated by the EU. The government faces criticism for democratic backsliding, corruption, and weak rule of law. This move might be a strategy to avoid serious scrutiny and accountability on these issues.
**WTN:** What impact do you anticipate this decision will have on Georgia’s future?
**Dr. Mchedlishvili:** This is a risky gamble. It risks deepening polarization within Georgian society, alienating a significant portion of the population who are pro-European. Furthermore, it could damage Georgia’s relationship with the West, potentially pushing the country closer to Russia’s influence.
**WTN:** What are the potential long-term implications for Georgia’s security and stability?
**Dr. Mchedlishvili:** Georgia’s geopolitical position is precarious, bordering both Russia and Turkey.while remaining committed to its western orientation, Georgia has traditionally aimed to find a balance between these powerful neighbours. This decision may disrupt that balance and make Georgia more vulnerable to Russian pressure, potentially undermining its territorial integrity and security.
**WTN:** What can be done to mitigate the negative consequences of this decision?
**Dr. Mchedlishvili:** While the government appears adamant, the widespread protests demonstrate a strong public will for European integration. The EU needs to respond firmly yet constructively. Continued dialogue and support for civil society are crucial. To avoid further escalation,urgent steps need to be taken to address the underlying issues hindering Georgia’s progress – strengthening democratic institutions,tackling corruption,and ensuring the rule of law.
**WTN:** thank you Dr. Mchedlishvili for your insights.
