Georgia Erupts in Protest After Prime Minister Pushes Back EU Membership
Thousands of protesters descended upon Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, on Thursday, defying police crackdowns to voice their outrage against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze‘s announcement. Kobakhidze, re-elected just hours earlier by the disputed new parliament, declared that Georgia’s מועמדות Zamora for EU membership would be delayed until 2028. The decision sent shockwaves through the nation, sparking accusations of an increasingly authoritarian government abandoning its pro-European aspirations.
The demonstration, which started peacefully, quickly swelled into a fiery confrontation. Thousands gathered outside the parliament building, blocking the city’s main street.
“The Georgian Dream didn’t win the election; they staged a coup!,” declared 20-year-old protester Shota Sabashvili, echoing the sentiment coursing through the crowds. “We will not stand by and watch this self-proclaimed prime minister destroy our European future.”
Although early hours of the protest was peaceful, police intervention turned it wile. Shortly after midnight, special police units deployed tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators. Turning more violent, they used rubber bullets, hitting protesters and journalists while the protestors stromed the barricades on fire. Local media reported several arrests amongst both protesters and journalists.
Demonstrations sprawled beyond the capital, erupting in cities like Kutaisi, where police intervened with more arrests, as reported by independent television channels.
Pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili, who had already denounced the parliamentary election results, rallied support for
the protesters, condemning the “illegitimate government” for a “war on its own people.”
The indivisibility of EU accession from the Georgian constitution, alongside prevalent public opinion polling overwhelming support for EU membership, fueled the ire of protesting Georgians. Nearly 80 percent of citizens favor joining the EU, making Zurabishvili’s standpoint clear — the new government has defied the popular will.
Zurabishvili, challenging the election results and labelling parliament unconstitutional, condemning it a “war on its own,”
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“Today the illegitimate government declared war on its own people,” she declared.
Adding to the uproar, roughly 90 Georgian diplomats publicly condemned Kobakhidze’s decision. They articulated their concerns, stating that delay will lead to a move away from EU ideals and result in “international isolation” causing “severe harm” to the strategic interests of the country.”
The EU, reacting to the escalating tensions, has frozen Georgia’s accession process. The European Parliament even outright rejected the Georgian elections due to the alleged irregularities, calling for new elections. The move further escalates the geopolitical drama unfolding in Georgia.
Kobakhidze, facing increasing international pressure, defended his decision, implying EU sanctions as a form of ‘blackmail’.
He insists that Georgia remains committed to enacting reforms to pave the path towards EU membership. “In 2028, Georgia will be more prepared than any other candidate country to hold accession talks with Brussels,” he proclaimed, maintaining the predicted date
for EU entry as 2
while asserting Georgia’s commitment to reform. He accused European leaders younger, increasing audience distrust toward the EU.
But the opposition sees a change in course, accusing Kobakhidze of steering Georgia away from its European trajectory and into the orbit of its northern neighbor, Russia.
“My dear Georgian people, do you not remember February 2019, when Prime Minister Kobakhidze declared Euro-
What are the key factors fueling anger among protesters in Georgia?
## Georgia Erupts: Interview with Political Analyst
**News Anchor:** Good evening, and welcome back. We’re following the ongoing protests in Georgia, sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement delaying the country’s bid for EU membership until 2028. Joining us now is Dr. Ana Bakradze, a leading political scientist specializing in the Caucasus region. Dr. Bakradze, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Bakradze:** Thank you for having me.
**News Anchor:** Dr. Bakradze, the protests in Tbilisi are fierce, with thousands taking to the streets. Can you shed some light on what’s fueling this anger?
**Dr. Bakradze:** This is a culmination of several factors. The delay in EU membership, while deeply disappointing to many Georgians, is seen as the latest in a series of actions by the ruling party that chips away at Georgia’s pro-European aspirations. The disputed election results, which President Zurabishvili condemned, added to the sense of disillusionment.
**News Anchor:** Kobakhidze insists the delay is necessary for the country to meet EU requirements effectively. How is this being received by the public?
**Dr. Bakradze:** The Georgian people overwhelmingly support EU membership. This is enshrined in the constitution itself. Many see this delay as a breach of trust and a betrayal of the public will.
**News Anchor:** We’ve seen vivid images of clashes between protesters and police. What’s the significance of this escalation?
**Dr. Bakradze:** The use of force against protesters, particularly journalists, exacerbates the situation. It highlights concerns about the erosion of democratic values and freedom of expression in Georgia.
**News Anchor:** What do you believe the future holds for Georgia’s political landscape in light of these events?
**Dr. Bakradze:** This is a critical juncture for Georgia. The outcome of this crisis will have lasting implications for the country’s political future and its relationship with the West. The government’s response, the effectiveness of the protests, and the international community’s reaction will all play a crucial role in shaping what comes next.
**News Anchor:** Dr. Bakradze, thank you for your valuable insights.
**Dr. Bakradze:** My pleasure.
