Protests Erupt in Georgia Over EU Negotiation Suspension

Protests Erupt in Georgia Over EU Negotiation Suspension \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Protests in Georgia escalated as citizens condemned the government’s decision to suspend EU membership negotiations and alleged election fraud. Demonstrators clashed with police in Tbilisi for a third consecutive night, with over 100 arrests reported. The ruling Georgian Dream party faces accusations of authoritarianism and Russian influence, while opposition leaders demand new elections under international supervision.

Georgia’s EU Protest Crisis: Quick Looks

• Why the Protests? Georgian citizens demand EU integration and allege election fraud.
• Police Crackdown: Heavy force used, over 100 arrested, media targeted.
• EU Concerns: European Parliament condemns Georgia’s democratic backsliding.
• Russian Influence? Critics claim the Georgian Dream party aligns with Moscow.
• Opposition Demands: Calls grow for new elections under fairer conditions.

Deep Look

Protests Intensify Over Halted EU Membership Talks

For the third straight night, thousands of Georgians gathered in Tbilisi and cities across the country, protesting the government’s abrupt decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union. Demonstrators see the move as a betrayal of Georgia’s aspirations to align with Western democracies and an indication of growing Russian influence.

The protests turned violent on Friday night, with police using water cannons and force to disperse crowds gathered outside the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue. Reports indicate over 100 demonstrators were arrested, and members of the media faced assaults as they covered the unrest.

Election Disputes Fuel Unrest

The protests stem from a broader discontent with Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary election, widely seen as flawed. Opposition groups allege the vote was rigged to favor the ruling Georgian Dream party, with accusations of voter suppression, bribery, and violence.

The election was seen as pivotal to Georgia’s EU aspirations, but the results have drawn condemnation from international observers. The European Parliament adopted a resolution criticizing the election as undemocratic and calling for a rerun under international supervision.

EU Integration on Hold

Georgia’s abrupt decision to suspend EU membership talks came as a shock to many citizens. The country was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, conditional on meeting democratic reforms. However, earlier this year, the EU froze financial aid and paused Georgia’s accession process after the passage of a controversial “foreign influence” law, likened to Russian restrictions on civil society.

EU lawmakers have accused the Georgian Dream government of backsliding on democratic principles, with European election observers citing incidents of bribery, double voting, and physical intimidation during October’s election.

Georgian Leaders Spar Over Direction

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the government’s position, claiming foreign entities were attempting to destabilize Georgia. In a statement, Kobakhidze warned of efforts to push Georgia into a “Maidan-style scenario,” referencing Ukraine’s 2014 revolution.

“We are not demanding a revolution,” countered Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili. “We are asking for new elections, but under conditions where the will of the people cannot be stolen again.”

Zourabichvili criticized the government’s alignment with Russian policies, warning that Georgia was sliding into becoming a “quasi-Russian state.”

The Role of Georgian Dream

Critics have long accused the Georgian Dream party of moving the country closer to Moscow, a stark contrast to the public’s overwhelming support for EU integration. The party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused of implementing policies that undermine civil liberties and democratic freedoms.

The “foreign influence” law passed earlier this year, which required NGOs and media outlets to register as “foreign agents” if receiving funding from abroad, was widely seen as a Kremlin-style restriction on dissent.

Protest Demands Intensify

Opposition leaders and demonstrators are calling for:

1. New Elections: A rerun of the October parliamentary vote under international supervision.
2. Government Accountability: Investigations into alleged election fraud and abuses of power.
3. Commitment to EU Membership: Resuming negotiations and meeting EU conditions for democratic reforms.

“This isn’t just about the EU; it’s about Georgia’s future as a democratic nation,” said political analyst Eka Chanturia. “The protests reflect the public’s frustration with years of backsliding and the fear of falling under Moscow’s shadow again.”

Economic and Social Struggles

Adding to the political turmoil, Georgia faces significant economic challenges:

• Inflation: While inflation slowed to 5.1% in October, it remains high compared to EU standards, straining household budgets.
• Housing Crisis: Repeated volcanic eruptions in Grindavik have displaced thousands, worsening an existing shortage of affordable housing exacerbated by the booming tourism industry.
• Russian Influence: Critics argue that economic ties with Moscow are increasing, undermining Georgia’s independence.

The Role of the EU

The European Parliament’s resolution called for a rerun of the parliamentary elections within a year and recommended sanctions against the Georgian government. However, Georgia’s leadership has dismissed these calls, with Kobakhidze denouncing the EU’s actions as “a blunt weapon of blackmail.”

In a dramatic move, the prime minister announced Georgia would reject all EU budgetary grants until 2028, framing the decision as a stance against foreign interference.

A Crossroads for Georgia

The ongoing protests have become a litmus test for Georgia’s democratic resilience. While the government appears to be doubling down on its position, the opposition and much of the public remain determined to demand accountability and a renewed commitment to Western integration.

“This moment will define Georgia’s future,” said Chanturia. “The question is whether the government will listen to its people or continue down a path that risks alienating its closest allies.”

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