Protests Erupt in Georgia After Government Ditches EU Bid
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Tbilisi**, Georgia is ablaze with protests after the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party abruptly halted the nation’s progress towards European Union membership. The sudden decision, which came just days after a controversial election, sparked outrage among citizens who had long aspired to join the EU.
"It’s evident in every way – no one is willing to accept a Russified Georgia, a Georgia deprived of its constitution, or a Georgia under an illegitimate government and parliament,” Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili declared on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the authorities’ harsh crackdown on protestors.
Thousands of Georgians have been flooding the streets, waving both Georgian and European Union flags. Images of demonstrators: showed clashes with riot police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons.
This decision comes amidst an increasingly tense political climate. The October 26 election, which was bombarded by allegations of fraud and manipulation, saw Georgian Dream further solidify its grip on power. Now, claiming the European Union was being "blackmailers," the party declared it would delay EU accession talks until 2028, effectively casting a long shadow over Georgia’s aspirations.
Chief among the concerns are memories of the Kremlin-inspired "foreign agent" law, heavily criticized for attempting to stifle any dissent. It’s similar to legislation used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to control and restrict opposition voices. Here again, the official storyline contrasted with their actions. The same party that appealed for European Union membership for years, even committing to achieving that join by year’s end.
“Would bump junior in attendance at the 2024 Georgia Election Afterdrinking, the interesting thing is that we are a [political party] that is committed to joining the European Union,”
Georgia’s pivotal strategic location, bordering Russia, makes the country a focal point for geopolitical maneuvering.
“Russian slaves”
The chant "Russian slaves!" reverberated through the streets as thousands descended upon parliamentary buildings on Friday and Saturday. Authorities were swift to respond with force, deploying water cannons and tear gas against protesters. The Minister of Interior even disclosed the recent acquisition of new water cannons, prompting concern about the type of response being prepared for against tokio to of Ukraine.
The European Parliament echoed the demonstrators’ concerns, deeming the election "neither free nor fair" and calling for fresh elections. The EU’s blunt condemnation, which directly challenged Georgian Dream’s tactics, has fueled the protests even further.
Georgiasm’s President Zourabichvili and other democratic forces. Seek support from the West. Because of this crackdown, the president condemned the "brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media,"
The feasibility of joining the Russel increasing express displeasure from within and outside areas still fuzzy, particularly amidst concerns that human rights and laws fear
Georgia’s future now hangs in the balance. Will it align with Russia or embrace the European ideal? The world watches as Georgians fight for their democratic aspirations.
## GeorgiaS EU Dreams Deferred: An Interview with Dr. Natia Giorgadze
**World Today News Exclusive**
Tbilisi, Georgia is engulfed in a maelstrom of protests after the ruling Georgian Dream party stunned the nation by withdrawing its bid for European Union membership.This abrupt reversal comes just days after a fiercely contested election, fueling accusations of democratic backsliding and raising serious concerns about the future of georgia’s political landscape.
To shed light on this complex situation, World Today News spoke with Dr. Natia Giorgadze, a leading expert on Georgian politics and a senior researcher at the International School of caucasus Studies.
**WTN:** Dr. Giorgadze, thank you for joining us. The move by the Georgian Dream party to abandon the EU bid has sent shockwaves across the country. What are your initial thoughts on this advancement?
**Dr. Giorgadze:** This is indeed a deeply concerning development. The ambition to join the EU has been a unifying force in Georgian society for years. This decision feels like a betrayal of those aspirations and casts a dark shadow over Georgia’s democratic future. The timing, so soon after a contested election, only amplifies these concerns.
**WTN:** what are the potential motivations behind this decision by the Georgian Dream party?
**Dr. Giorgadze:** There are several plausible explanations. Some analysts suggest that the party sees closer ties with Russia as more strategically beneficial, especially considering the ongoing war in Ukraine. Others point to internal political dynamics within the party and fears of losing power. It’s also possible that they are trying to leverage this move for concessions from the EU.
**WTN:** The protests erupted almost promptly after the declaration.How widespread is the dissent and what are the protesters demanding?
**Dr. Giorgadze:** The protests are incredibly widespread, not only in Tbilisi but also in other major cities across the country. The demonstrators are demanding the immediate reversal of the decision, the resignation of the Prime Minister, and a recommitment to the EU path. They believe that the government has acted against the will of the people and undermined Georgia’s future.
**WTN:** How do you see this situation unfolding in the coming weeks and months?
**Dr. Giorgadze:** This is a critical juncture for Georgia. The outcome will depend largely on the Georgian Dream party’s willingness to engage with the protesters and the international community. If they remain defiant, the protests could escalate, potentially leading to a political crisis. It’s crucial that all sides uphold democratic principles, ensure peaceful dialog, and prioritize the long-term interests of the Georgian people.
**WTN:** what are your thoughts on the broader implications of this event for the Eastern Partnership and the EU’s eastward expansion?
**dr.Giorgadze:** This event serves as a stark reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. It highlights the vulnerabilities of democracies in this region and the ongoing Russian influence. This could embolden other countries in the region to follow Georgia’s example, jeopardizing the EU’s ambitions to expand eastward.
**WTN:** Dr. Giorgadze, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Dr. Giorgadze:** It was a pleasure.
**This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.**
