Violent protests shake Georgia - an overview of important information

Violent protests shake Georgia - an overview of important information

The protests in Georgia, which, after the controversial decision of the government to delay the membership of the former Soviet state in the European Union, broke out, shaken the country. The tensions have built up in the South Caucasian nation with 3.7 million inhabitants for months. Critics accuse the ruling party of Georgian dream of increasingly pursuing authoritarian and pro-Russian political course, which dampens the hopes for the long-awaited path of Georgia to EU membership.

trigger of the protests

The tensions escalated at the end of October when the Georgian dream party announced a controversial election victory, which was largely regarded as a referendum on the EU accession. Georgia had achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has been striving for EU membership for years, which is even defined in the constitution. Polls show that the majority of Georgians support this policy. Last year Georgia had achieved the status of an EU candidate, but on November 28th the government signaled a change from Europe, which led too widespread anger.

The government's reaction

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend the EU accession talks for four years after the European Parliament had rejected the election results due to alleged irregularities. The government accused the EU to use the prospect of accession talks to "blackmail" Georgia and "to organize a revolution in the country". "We decided not to put the question of taking negotiations with the European Union until the end of 2028," said the government.

The protests in detail

The government's decision led to thousands of pro-European Georgians flogging onto the streets of the capital of Tbilis and demonstrating for several nights despite a violent approach by the police. The police used water cannons and tear gas against the protesters, while hooded men ran into the crowd and hit people. The protests broke out not only in the capital, but also in at least eight other cities and municipalities, as well as the Georgian media reported protests that also occurred in Khashuri and in the port city of Poti.

international reactions

The United States and the EU sharply criticized the growing authoritarianism in Georgia and the aggressive reaction of the police to the demonstrators. The US State Department condemned the "excessive use of violence against Georgians" and announced that the strategic partnership between the United States and Georgia was suspended by the "anti-democratic measures" of the governing party. EU foreign commissioner Kaja Kallas expressed the support of the block for the Georgian people and their desire for a European future.

The fear of Russification

Almost 80 % of Georgians support European integration, and many have a deeply rooted aversion to Russia, which Georgia attacked in 2008 and today has around 20 % of its internationally recognized territory. The concerns about a creeping Russification of the country are increasing, in particular since Russia's invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, at which thousands of Russians, especially men of conscious age, have fled to Georgia.

The future of Georgia

experts have warned that the suspension of the EU discussions is another sign that the country under the ruling party of Georgian Dream takes an undemocratic course. Ketevan Chachava, a political analyst, commented on the fact that Georgia could become a state in which freedoms are not respected. While the Western Community skeptically faces the intentions of the governing party, dozens of Georgian diplomats and civil servants have signed open letters in which they criticize the delay in EU talks as illegal.

The situation remains tense, while both national and international reactions could influence the future direction of Georgia. The Georgian government has so far rejected the allegations and emphasizes that it continues to fight for the EU.