Clashes in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Path to EU Membership Sparks Unrest

Clashes in Tbilisi: Georgia’s Path to EU Membership Sparks Unrest \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Mass protests in Georgia erupted after the government suspended negotiations to join the European Union. Demonstrators clashed with police outside the parliament in Tbilisi, fueled by claims of election rigging and concerns over democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. Critics accuse the government of authoritarianism and alignment with Moscow.

Georgian EU Negotiations Protests: Quick Looks

• Protests in Tbilisi: Thousands rallied outside the Georgian parliament, with demonstrators clashing with riot police for two consecutive nights.
• Government Action: Riot police used water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse crowds; 43 people were detained on the first night.
• EU Membership at Stake: Protests followed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement of halting negotiations to join the EU.
• Election Disputes: The ruling Georgian Dream party’s October 26 election victory sparked allegations of vote-rigging and a boycott by the opposition.
• International Criticism: The EU condemned the election as undemocratic and called for new elections and sanctions against Georgia’s government.
• Government Backlash: Prime Minister Kobakhidze denounced the EU’s stance as “blackmail” and vowed to reject EU financial grants through 2028.

Deep Look

The Georgian government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union has ignited massive protests in Tbilisi, with thousands of demonstrators rallying outside the parliament for two consecutive nights. The protests reflect growing discontent over the government’s alleged authoritarian tendencies, links to Moscow, and failure to uphold democratic values.

Clashes in the Capital

Demonstrators flooded the streets of Tbilisi on Thursday and Friday nights after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension of EU accession talks. Protesters attempted to breach metal gates surrounding the parliament building, prompting riot police to use water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. The Interior Ministry reported that 43 people were detained during the initial protests.

On Friday evening, tensions flared again as protesters swarmed the parliament and clashed with security forces. Riot police deployed water cannons to prevent demonstrators from breaking through barriers, escalating the standoff.

Election Controversy and Democratic Backsliding

The protests come in the wake of Georgia’s disputed October 26 election, which many viewed as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Opposition parties accused Georgian Dream of rigging the election under the influence of Russia, a claim supported by European election observers. Reports of bribery, double voting, and physical violence during the vote further fueled allegations of electoral fraud.

President Salome Zourabichvili, who holds a largely ceremonial role, joined protesters on Thursday, accusing the government of waging “war” on its own people. In a televised address on Friday, Zourabichvili urged police to refrain from using force against peaceful demonstrators.

The European Parliament condemned the October elections as undemocratic, citing violations of free and fair voting standards. In response, EU lawmakers called for new elections under international supervision, along with sanctions and reduced engagement with the Georgian government.

EU Relations in Crisis

Georgia’s suspension of EU talks comes at a time of strained relations between Tbilisi and Brussels. In December 2023, the EU granted Georgia candidate status conditional upon meeting democratic reforms. However, progress stalled after the Georgian parliament passed a “foreign influence” law in June requiring organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “pursuing the interest of a foreign power.” Critics likened the law to a Russian measure used to target dissent and restrict civil liberties.

The EU responded by suspending Georgia’s membership application indefinitely and reducing financial aid. EU lawmakers also criticized Georgian Dream for its crackdown on press freedoms and LGBTQ+ rights, warning that the country was veering away from democratic norms.

Government Response

Prime Minister Kobakhidze dismissed the EU’s criticism as a “cascade of insults,” accusing European politicians of using Georgia as a pawn for blackmail. “The ill-wishers of our country have turned the European Parliament into a blunt weapon of blackmail against Georgia, which is a great disgrace for the European Union,” Kobakhidze said. He emphasized that Georgia would continue its European integration on its own terms, free from what he called “manipulation.”

Kobakhidze also announced that Georgia would reject any EU budgetary grants until at least 2028, framing the decision as a stance against foreign interference.

Growing Influence of Moscow

Critics have long accused Georgian Dream of aligning with Moscow, pointing to its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire with deep financial ties to Russia. The party has enacted laws mirroring Kremlin policies, including measures restricting press freedoms and targeting LGBTQ+ rights.

Observers fear that suspending EU talks may deepen Georgia’s drift toward Russia, its former imperial ruler. This shift comes despite public support for EU membership, which polls show remains strong among Georgians.

Democratic Aspirations Under Threat

Protesters and opposition leaders view the suspension of EU negotiations as the latest blow to Georgia’s democratic aspirations. The decision has also reignited fears of political repression, as the government’s tactics increasingly resemble those of authoritarian regimes.

The European Union, meanwhile, continues to push for a rerun of Georgia’s parliamentary elections under international oversight. EU lawmakers have urged the bloc to impose sanctions on Georgian officials and further limit formal engagements with Tbilisi.

A Country at a Crossroads

Georgia’s path forward remains uncertain as protests escalate and international pressure mounts. While the government defends its decisions as protecting national sovereignty, critics argue that its actions undermine the country’s democratic foundation and jeopardize its future within the European community.

For now, the streets of Tbilisi remain a battleground, with thousands of Georgians demanding change and an end to what they see as the government’s betrayal of the country’s European aspirations.

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