Protests in Georgia: Thousands fight for EU membership!

Protests in Georgia: Thousands fight for EU membership!

Massive protest wave in Georgia: Citizens are fighting for EU accession!

In Georgia it is bubbling! Tens of thousands of people have been on the streets in the last five nights to protest against the decision of the ruling party "Georgian Dream" to suspend the talks about the EU accession by 2028. This explosive situation followed directly to the rejection of the parliamentary elections of October 26 by the European Parliament, which spoke of "considerable irregularities". Prime Minister Iracli Kobakhidze, who heads the populist party, accused the EU and some European leaders of "blackmail" and thus strengthens the anger of the citizens.

The protests began on Thursday, when Kobakhidze made the shocking announcement that Georgia would not have any discussions about the EU accession for four years. This was only hours after the adoption of a non -binding resolution of the European Parliament, which demanded new elections under international supervision and proposed sanctions against Georgian leaders, including Kobakhidze. The unrest has spread beyond the voters: civil servants, members of the diplomatic corps and hundreds from the education system have joined the movement, which shows the determination of the Georgians not to give up their European election.

violent clashes and brutal police force

The situation escalates! Riot police use tear gas and water cannon, while demonstrators with fireworks. Among those arrested is the prominent opposition leader Zurab Japaridze from the Girchi party. Reports on police violence are alarming: the Georgian section of Transparency International reports on physical assault on those arrested that were forced to go barefoot to medical facilities. The police are said to have even given instructions to target the body parts of those arrested.

The government's answer is shocking! Kobakhidze described the protests as violent and suspects foreign interference. He accused the demonstrators of causing a situation like in Ukraine 2014. Despite the violent clashes, he assured that the government wanted to continue to work towards EU membership. But the EU and the USA have already commented on developments and are calling for a return to the Euro-Atlantic course.