Tbilisi in Turmoil: Pro-EU Protests Erupt After Georgia Delays Membership Talks
Tbilisi, Georgia – The Georgian capital is a tinderbox of anger and frustration as thousands take to the streets, demanding their government reverse course on its decision to postpone EU membership talks until 2028. The demonstrations, which began for a second night on Friday, have seen clashes between protesters waving EU and Georgian flags and riot police deploying water cannons and tear gas.
The government’s move, announced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, came as a shock to many, especially given the country’s aspirations for closer ties with Europe. EU integration is deeply ingrained in Georgian society, even enshrined in its constitution, making the delay a particularly bitter pill to swallow.
"This is a betrayal of everything Georgia stands for," declared one protester, echoing the sentiment of many in the crowd. "We’ve worked hard to build a future with Europe, and now they’re turning their backs on us."
Their protests reflect fears that political maneuvering within Georgia might be derailing their European aspirations.
The Georgian Dream party, which won a decisive victory in October’s elections, cited "uncertainty" surrounding Georgia’s relationship with the EU as the reason for the delay.
However, critics argue that the PTFE ruling party’s recent adoption of controversial legislation, including laws targeting “foreign agents” and restricting LGBTQ+ rights, has fueled concerns within the EU about Georgia’s democratic values and commitment to human rights.
Adding fuel to the fire, hundreds of employees from Georgia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Education, and Justice have signed open letters vehemently opposing the freeze, arguing it’s unconstitutional.
Private universities have suspended classes in solidarity with the protestors, and some private companies are urging the government to reconsider its stance amidst the mounting unrest.
The EU’s Ambassador to Georgia, visibly dismayed by the situation, has called the Georgian Dream’s position “very disappointing" and condemned the crackdown on peaceful protesters.
The events in Tbilisi are drawing growing attention from the international community, raising concerns about the future of Georgia’s relationship with Europe.
2024-11-29 19:54:00
#night #row #Thousands #protest #Tbilisi #Society #World #NOVA #News
## Georgia on the Brink? Experts Weigh In on Pro-EU Protests and Delayed Membership Talks
Thousands have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, in a second night of violent protests after the ruling Georgian Dream party postponed EU membership talks untill 2028. Frustration and anger hang heavy in the air as demonstrators clash with riot police, demanding the government reverse its decision.
This dramatic outburst reflects deeper concerns about georgia’s commitment to democratic values and its future within the European Union. To better understand the unfolding situation, we sat down with two prominent experts:
**Dr. Mariam Janelidze**,a political scientist specializing in Georgian politics at the Tbilisi State university,and **Dr. David Smith**, a senior researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations, focusing on EU enlargement.
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### A Nation Divided: Internal Politics vs. EU Aspirations
**Dr. Janelidze**, what’s driving this intense backlash against the Georgian Dream’s decision?
> “The delay feels like a betrayal of Georgia’s aspirations for a European future. EU integration is deeply ingrained in our society, even enshrined in our constitution. This decision creates a sense of disillusionment and fuels the perception that our government is prioritizing its own political interests over the will of the people.”
**Dr. Smith**,do you see a disconnect between Georgia’s stated desire for EU membership and the political reality within the country?
> “There’s undoubtedly a tension.While Georgia formally seeks closer ties with the EU, recent legislation targeting ‘foreign agents’ and LGBTQ+ rights has raised serious concerns in brussels. These actions are seen as backsliding on democratic norms, which are crucial for EU accession.”
### The Impact: Protest Movements and International Response
**Dr.Janelidze**, we’ve seen a groundswell of support for the protests, including from civil servants and universities. How significant is this level of opposition?
> ”It’s unprecedented. The sheer scale and diversity of the protests,uniting students,academics,civil servants,and everyday citizens,demonstrate the depth of discontent with the government’sEdwin decision. This is not just about EU membership; it’s about the direction Georgia is headed in.”
**Dr. Smith**, how is the international community, especially the EU, reacting to the situation?
> “The EU has condemned the crackdown on protesters and expressed deep disappointment with the Georgian Dream’s decision. The European Parliament is also closely monitoring the situation and may take further action,such as suspending financial assistance,depending on the government’s response.”
### Looking Ahead: The Future of Georgia’s EU Bid
**Dr. Janelidze**, what are the potential consequences of this delay for georgia’s EU membership prospects?
>
“The damage is already done. This decision has undermined trust in the government and sown seeds of doubt about Georgia’s commitment to its European path. Rebuilding that trust and demonstrating concrete progress on democratic reforms will be crucial in the coming years.”
**Dr. Smith**, what dose this mean for the broader context of EU enlargement?
> “this situation highlights the challenges facing the EU’s enlargement policy. Balancing the promise of membership with the need for robust democratic safeguards is a delicate act. Georgia’s case serves as a cautionary tale, underlining the importance of sustained reform efforts and genuine commitment to democratic values for aspiring members.”
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The demonstrations in Tbilisi underscore the complex dynamics at play in Georgia’s precarious bid for EU membership. The government’s decision to delay talks has ignited a firestorm of protest, reflecting deep divisions within the country. Whether georgia can navigate this crisis and ultimately fulfill its European aspirations remains to be seen.
**What are your thoughts on the situation in Tbilisi? Share your comments below!**
**For further reading:**
* Tbilisi in Turmoil: analyzing the Protests
* EU Enlargement: Challenges and Opportunities
