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
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## Georgia’s EU Dream Deferred: A Conversation with Dr. Maka Khelashvili
**World Today News:** Gigantic protests have engulfed Georgia following the government’s announcement of a delayed EU membership bid.We are joined today by Dr. Maka Khelashvili, a leading political analyst adn lecturer at Tbilisi State University, to unpack this crisis. Dr. Khelashvili,thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Khelashvili:** It is indeed my pleasure to be here.
**WTN:** The Georgian dream government cites unfinished reform requirements as the reason for the delay. what is your assessment of their reasoning?
**Dr.Khelashvili:** While some reforms remain incomplete,this decision feels more like a strategic political manoeuvre than a genuine assessment of Georgia’s readiness. Many believe the government fears increased EU scrutiny,potentially revealing underlying issues regarding democracy,rule of law,and human rights – areas where the Georgian Dream has been criticized both domestically and internationally.
**WTN:** The protests are undeniably passionate and widespread. What do they reveal about the aspirations of the Georgian people?
**Dr. Khelashvili:** These protests are a powerful testament to the deep-seated desire of the Georgian people for closer ties with Europe. They see EU membership not just as an economic chance, but as a path towards a more democratic, transparent, and prosperous future. The government’s decision feels like a betrayal of this aspiration.
**WTN:** What are the potential ramifications of this delay on Georgia’s internal political landscape?
**Dr. Khelashvili:** The protests highlight a growing rift between the government and its people. The Georgian Dream risks further alienating a significant portion of the population, potentially leading to increased political instability and mobilization against the current governance. We could see a resurgence of opposition movements and a shift in public opinion towards more pro-Western parties.
**WTN:** Beyond domestic repercussions, what are the potential geopolitical implications of this delay for Georgia?
**Dr. Khelashvili:** This delay creates a vacuum that other actors, like Russia, may seek to exploit. Georgia’s strategic location and history makes it a prime target for Russian influence.A weakening of Georgia’s ties with the West could embolden Russia to exert more pressure, threatening Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
**WTN:** What do you believe are the next steps for Georgia?
**Dr. Khelashvili:** The government needs to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the protesters and address their concerns. They must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the EU integration path and clarity in their decision-making process. Ultimately,the Georgian people will have the final say.They will need to decide whether they want to continue down a path of closer integration with Europe or accept a future aligned with Russia’s interests. The protests are a signal that the Georgian people are persistent to shape their own destiny.
**WTN:** Thank you, Dr. Khelashvili, for your insightful analysis of this critical situation.
**Dr.Khelashvili:** You’re welcome. the future of Georgia hangs in the balance.
