Protesters clash with police after Georgia suspends EU bid

In Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, a significant clash occurred between protesters and police after the government announced it would suspend its efforts to join the European Union. This decision was made public by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who stated that the country would not pursue EU membership until the end of 2028. This announcement sparked outrage among many citizens, leading to large demonstrations in the streets. The police responded with force, using pepper spray and water cannons to disperse the crowds. According to government reports, 43 individuals were arrested during the protests, which took place on a Thursday night. The Prime Minister's statement was met with criticism from over 100 diplomats, who labeled the government's decision as 'unconstitutional'. They argued that the people of Georgia have a right to pursue their aspirations for EU membership, and that the government is failing to represent their interests. The Prime Minister accused the EU of 'blackmail' after European legislators called for a re-run of last month's parliamentary elections, citing 'significant irregularities' in the voting process. Since 2012, the Georgian Dream party has been in power, and many critics believe that the party is steering the country away from the EU and towards closer ties with Russia. Although the party claimed victory in the recent elections, opposition members are boycotting the new parliament, alleging that the elections were marred by fraud. President Salome Zurabishvili has also condemned the one-party parliament as 'unconstitutional', further complicating the political landscape. The European Parliament has expressed deep concern over the situation, describing the recent elections as part of a 'worsening democratic crisis' in Georgia. They highlighted issues such as voter intimidation, vote buying, and harassment of election observers. In response to these concerns, the European Parliament has called for sanctions against the Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of the ruling party. The EU ambassador to Georgia expressed that the suspension of accession talks is 'heartbreaking' for many Georgians who aspire to join the EU. Following the announcement, thousands of pro-EU protesters gathered outside the offices of the Georgian Dream party in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The demonstrators view the government's decision as a betrayal of their national aspirations, as the goal of European integration is enshrined in Georgia's constitution. The police began to disperse the rally in the early hours of Friday morning, using batons, tear gas, and water cannons after protesters barricaded streets in Tbilisi. The protests continued until 6:00 AM local time, and further demonstrations are anticipated later in the day. The Interior Ministry reported that protesters engaged in provocations, damaging infrastructure and injuring 32 police officers. The exact number of injured protesters remains unclear, but a member of the opposition group Coalition for Change reported that one of their members, Nana Malashkhia, suffered a broken nose during the clashes. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with protesters seeking refuge in pharmacies as special forces pursued them. A journalist from the opposition Formula TV station was also reportedly beaten by police, raising concerns about press freedom and the treatment of media representatives during the protests. The protests reflect a deep-seated frustration among many Georgians who feel that their government is not acting in their best interests. On Friday, the EU's ambassador to Georgia called the government's suspension of EU accession talks 'sad and heartbreaking', emphasizing that it contradicts the policies of previous governments and the wishes of the majority of the population. Public opinion polls indicate that over 80% of Georgians view their future as being tied to the European Union. Young protesters like Shota Sabashvili voiced their anger, claiming that the current government lacks legitimacy and that they will not allow the Prime Minister to destroy their European aspirations. Another protester, Ana, expressed her belief that the government is working against the will of the people and attempting to drag the country back to a time of Soviet control. The protests are a clear indication that many Georgians are unwilling to accept the government's decision without a fight. They are determined to stand up for their rights and their vision for a future within the European Union. Georgia has held official EU candidate status since 2023, but the accession process has faced numerous obstacles. The Prime Minister stated that Georgia would continue to implement necessary reforms for EU membership and still aims to join by 2030. However, he emphasized the importance of the EU respecting Georgia's national interests and traditional values. Former President Giorgi Margvelashvili warned that the country is at a critical juncture in its history, noting that Georgia has historically been pro-Western and pro-EU since gaining independence 30 years ago. He expressed concern that there is a concerted effort by those in power to bring Georgia closer to Russia, a move that many citizens oppose. The situation remains tense, and the protests are likely to continue as citizens fight for their right to determine their own future.