Thousands of pro-EU protesters in Georgia took to the streets again on Friday, defying the government’s crackdown and continuing their fight for closer ties with Europe. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing since a disputed election in October, intensified after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a delay in EU membership talks until 2028.
Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, has been gripped by political turmoil as the ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory in the October 26th election. Critics accuse the party of authoritarian tendencies and a shift back towards Russia, fueling widespread anger and distrust.
The protests, which have drawn tens of thousands of participants, erupted in response to allegations of electoral fraud and the Prime Minister’s controversial decision to postpone EU accession talks. Police have responded with tear gas and water cannons, leading to hundreds of arrests and sparking international condemnation.
Despite the government’s efforts to quell the demonstrations, protesters remain resolute. On Friday night, thousands gathered outside parliament for the ninth consecutive night, their chants and the occasional burst of firecrackers echoing through the streets. While the crowd was smaller than in previous days, the determination remained palpable.
“We are fighting for our freedom,” declared Nana, an 18-year-old medical student, wrapped in an EU flag. “We are not going to give up.”
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Kobakhidze declared victory in what he termed a “battle against liberal fascism” in the country. He praised his security forces for “successfully neutralising the protesters’ capacity for violence,” using language reminiscent of russian rhetoric against political opponents.
“We have won an critically important battle against liberal fascism in our country,” he saeid. “But the fight is not over.Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely, and work towards this goal will continue.”
Kobakhidze also reiterated his threat to “complete the process of neutralising the radical opposition,” raising concerns about further escalation.
With both sides entrenched in their positions, a resolution to the crisis appears elusive. Opposition leaders remain defiant, accusing the government of resorting to fear tactics and repression.
“The government “has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants,” said Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the opposition Lelo party. “Victory is within reach, and the regime is already beginning to crumble.”
The government’s crackdown has intensified in recent days, with police raiding opposition party offices and arresting prominent figures. On Friday, the leader of the Akhali party, Nika Gvaramia, was sentenced to 12 days in prison, while Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months.
The situation is expected to worsen after December 14th, when Georgian Dream lawmakers are scheduled to elect a new president to replace Salome Zurabishvili, who has refused to step down until fresh parliamentary elections are held.
The postponement of EU membership talks has sparked outrage among Georgians, who overwhelmingly support closer ties with Europe. Critics accuse the Georgian Dream party of betraying the country’s aspirations and mimicking Russia’s authoritarian model.
Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned in protest over the government’s decision. The European Union has warned that Georgia’s recent legislation,targeting civil society and LGBTQ rights,is incompatible with EU membership.
as the standoff continues, the future of Georgia hangs in the balance. The outcome of this political battle will have profound implications for the country’s democratic trajectory and its relationship with the West.
## Georgia’s Pro-European Future: A Crossroads Moment
**World Today News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Mariam Shatirishvili, Professor of Political science at Tbilisi State University**
**World Today News:** Dr.Shatirishvili, thank you for joining us. Georgia has been seeing intense pro-EU demonstrations for weeks now.What are the key drivers behind these protests?
**Dr. Shatirishvili:** The protests stem from a confluence of factors.
First, there’s a deep-seated desire within Georgian society for closer integration with the European Union. This aspiration is driven by a yearning for democratic values, the rule of law, and economic prosperity that many see as embodied by the EU.
Second, the disputed October election, marred by allegations of fraud, has fueled distrust in the current government, the Georgian Dream party. Many Georgians perceive the ruling party as backsliding on democratic principles and moving closer to Russia,a prospect that is deeply unsettling for a significant portion of the population.
The Prime Minister’s decision to postpone EU membership talks until 2028 has been a major catalyst for the demonstrations. This delay is seen as a betrayal of georgian aspirations and a sign that the government is prioritizing its own interests over the will of the people.
**World today News:** The Georgian government has responded to the protests with force, using tear gas and water cannons, and making numerous arrests. How has this response been received domestically and internationally?
**Dr. Shatirishvili:** The government’s heavy-handed response has been widely condemned both domestically and internationally. It has exacerbated tensions and further alienated those who already feel that their voices are not being heard.
The international community, including the EU and the United States, has expressed strong concerns about the crackdown on peaceful protesters and called for restraint and dialog. This international pressure could play a crucial role in shaping the government’s future actions.
**World Today News:** What are the potential consequences of this ongoing political crisis for Georgia’s future?
**Dr. Shatirishvili:** The situation is highly precarious. The current standoff poses a significant threat to Georgia’s democratic trajectory and its prospects for EU integration.
Continued political instability could hamper economic growth and deter foreign investment. It could also lead to further polarization within society, deepening existing divisions.
however, the resilience and determination of the protestors offer a glimmer of hope. Their unwavering commitment to European values and democratic principles could ultimately spur positive change and help Georgia navigate towards a brighter future.
**World Today News:** Dr. Shatirishvili, thank you for sharing your insightful analysis.
