Violent protests in Georgia: You need to know that

Violent protests in Georgia: You need to know that

In Georgia, weeks of protests, the political landscape shaken after the government has made a controversial decision. This decision concerns the delay of the endeavor to join the European Union (EU), which has led to anger in numerous citizens.

origin of the protests

The tensions in the southern Caucasus state with 3.7 million inhabitants have been thawed for months. Critics accuse the Governing Party of Georgische Dream an increasingly authoritarian, pro-Russian policy, which has steamed the hopes for an EU accession. The protests took off after Georgische Dream announced the victory in a controversial election in October, which was regarded as a referendum on the EU accession. Georgia, which gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has been pursuing the goal of becoming a member of the EU for years, which is even anchored in the constitution. A survey showed that the majority of Georgians support EU membership and finally received status as an EU candidate.

The wave of protests

On November 28, the government signaled a departure from Europe, which triggered nationwide protests. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend the EU accession talks for four years after the European Parliament rejected the country's election results due to alleged irregularities. The government block pointed out that the EU tries to blackmail Georgia and intended 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 party.

violent clashes and reactions

The government's decision led to massive protests in the capital of Tbilis, where consecutive nights demonstrated, despite violent police violence, took to the streets. Reports show that demonstrators swiveled Georgian and EU flags and called "Russian slaves" in protest. The police used water cannons and tear gas, and hooded men were seen as they ran into the crowd and beat together. The protests spread quickly across the country, with reports on demonstrations in at least eight cities. Over 100 people were arrested while dozens were instructed to the hospital.

The international reaction

The handling of the police with the protesters triggered outrage worldwide. The US government and the EU condemned violent repression against the demonstrators. The US State Department spoke of "excessive use of violence" and interrupted the strategic partnership with Georgia due to the "anti-democratic actions" of the government party. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign representative, stated in a social network that the EU was "with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future", the government was back on their euro-Atlantic course.

The path of Georgia to the future

The future of Georgia is on the brink. Prime Minister Kobakhidze rejected the international reviews and emphasized that the police successfully protected the state from "violations of the constitution". At the same time, the government party contests any connection to Russia. But trust in their intentions disappears. Many diplomats and state employees have spoken out against the delay in EU talks and believe that this is illegal. In the background, Russia also observes developments, with Dmitry Medvedev called the situation in Georgia as a "attempted revolution" and warned that the country could go on a dangerous way.