Protests in Georgia: Citizens defend themselves against the EU!

Protests in Georgia: Citizens defend themselves against the EU!

In a dramatic uprising against the Georgian government, the protests across the country have expanded! After the shocking announcement to freeze talks about an EU accession for four years, people have been flocking to the streets for four nights. The anger is directed against the ruling party Georgian Dream, which is seen by many as traitors to European integration and instead is looking for an approach to Russia.

On Sunday the outrage reached its peak when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rejected the demands for new elections with a clear "of course not". The opposition and President Salome Zurabishvili, who is committed to joining the EU, have questioned the legitimacy of the new government and are calling for the annulment of the election results. In the meantime, thousands of demonstrators, the EU and Georgian flags, gathered in Tbilisi and protected themselves against tear gas with diving masks.

protests spread out

The protests are no longer limited to the capital! According to reports, demonstrations took place in at least eight cities and municipalities. In the Black Sea city of Poti Poti, protesters blocked an access road to the most important trading sport in the country, while in Khashuri eggs were thrown to the Georgian Dream office and the party flags were torn down. Over 150 demonstrators were arrested nationwide, while the United States and the EU expressed their support for the protesters and condemned the "excessive violence" of the police.

The US government has even exposed a strategic partnership with Tbilisi, which Kobakhidze abates as a "temporary event". The EU and several European countries have also urged violence against demonstrators. In the midst of these unrest, hundreds of government employees and more than 200 diplomats against the decision to suspend the EU discussions have spoken out and warned that this could lead to Georgia in international isolation.