Georgia faces a political crisis as massive protests erupt over the government’s decision to halt its EU membership bid. Demonstrations highlight public discontent with democratic backsliding and alleged election irregularities, calling for new elections and international intervention.
Massive Protests Erupt in Georgia
The Georgian government’s decision to suspend its EU membership efforts has triggered widespread protests, with an estimated 100,000 demonstrators surrounding the parliament in Tbilisi. Over three successive nights, protesters demanded new elections, facing violent crackdowns by police deploying water cannons and tear gas. Video evidence revealed officers attacking unarmed demonstrators, escalating tensions further.
2. Political Leaders Resign Amid Crisis
In the wake of the government’s controversial move, several top officials, including Georgian ambassadors to Italy, the Netherlands, and Lithuania, as well as Deputy Foreign Minister Temur Janjali, resigned in protest. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who has previously accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of election fraud, called for EU intervention to oversee new elections, asserting that the government lacked a legitimate mandate.
3. European Union Condemns Government Actions
The European Parliament passed a resolution labeling Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections as neither free nor fair, citing widespread irregularities and voter intimidation. EU leaders criticized the ruling party for democratic backsliding, including anti-Western policies and human rights violations. The EU also condemned the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and expressed regret over Georgia’s decision to suspend its EU bid.
4. Accusations of Foreign Influence
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed foreign actors, including Russian citizens and a British national, were involved in the demonstrations, though no evidence was provided. These allegations of external interference have further polarized the situation, with the opposition and international observers dismissing the claims as baseless.
5. Growing Concerns Over Democratic Decline
The protests and political turmoil come amid mounting criticism of the Georgian Dream party for enacting Russian-style legislation targeting Western-backed NGOs and cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on top officials and police chiefs over the violent suppression of dissent. International organizations, including the UN, have called on Georgia to respect the right to peaceful assembly and democratic principles.
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