Georgia Erupts in Protests After Government Postpones EU Membership
Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, demonstrating against the government’s decision to postpone the country’s bid for European Union membership for five years.
The demonstrations erupted after the Georgian Dream ruling party announced the delay until 2028, a move that sparked outrage among many Georgians who view EU membership as vital for both economic growth and democratic reforms.
Clashes between protesters and police amplified the tension. Demonstrators hurled rocks and flares, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Images and footage circulating online showed chaotic scenes of clashes around Georgia’s parliament building and other vital government institutions.
“We deserve a European future,” chanted protesters. “Don’t steal our European dream!”
The protest organizers, a diverse coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups, accusations that the postponement was illegal and a betrayal of popular support for closer ties with the EU.
“This was a cynical move by a government that is afraid of democratic progress,” said one prominent opposition leader. “We will continue to fight for our future.”
The ambassador of an EU member state in Tbilisi, expressing deep concern over the government’s decision and
“The decision to postpone EU membership overshadows the years of progress that have been made. The people of Georgia deserve a government that listens to their aspirations,” the ambassador stated.
The Georgian government defended the decision, citing the need for further domestic reforms and economic stability. However, critics argue that using stability as a reason for postponing EU membership is essentially delaying democratic advancement and economic prosperity that they argue would be created by closer ties with the EU.
This is not the first time the Georgian people have rallied for EU membership. Previous protests erupted after a controversial election in 2020, which opposition parties claimed was rigged. The government dismissed those allegations, further igniting tensions.
The European Union remains attentive to the situation in Georgia, emphasizing their commitment to supporting Georgia’s democratic transformation and integration.
The situation in Tbilisi underscores the deep desire for EU integration amongst a significant portion of the Georgian population and the growing frustration with the government’s handling of the process.
As Georgia watches the developments unfold, the outcome of these protests will likely have a significant impact on its future trajectory towards EU membership and the stability of the nation.
Suspicious fires and roadblocks contributed further to the friction between the protesters and authorities. The government denied involvement in the nationwide disruptions, but many protesters believe the government is ultimately behind the violence
“The government is trying to silence us,” said one protester holding a placard reading “Georgia Deserves Europe”.
“We will not be silenced.”
What are the primary demands of the protestors in Georgia?
## Interview: Georgia Blazes with Protest Over Delayed EU Membership
**Host:** Welcome back. Today we’re diving into the escalating situation in Georgia where thousands are protesting after the government announced a five-year delay in the country’s bid for European Union membership. Joining me is Dr. Nana Ivanashvili, a political scientist specializing in the Caucasus region. Dr. Ivanashvili, can you shed light on the factors fueling these protests?
**Dr. Ivanashvili:** Certainly. The Georgian people have long aspired for closer ties with the EU, viewing it as a pathway to economic prosperity and enhanced democratic values. This postponement, announced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, is seen as a shocking betrayal of those aspirations. [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/29/world/europe/georgia-protests-eu-membership.html)]
**Host:** The images coming out of Tbilisi are incredibly striking, showing intense clashes between protestors and police. What are the immediate concerns with this level of unrest?
**Dr. Ivanashvili:** The violence is deeply concerning, indicating the anger and frustration felt by many Georgians. It highlights the deep divisions within the country and the fragility of political stability. The use of tear gas and water cannons by police, while perhaps a necessary response to violence, risks further escalating an already volatile situation.
**Host:**
The protestors are diverse, represented by opposition parties and civil society groups. What are their demands?
**Dr. Ivanashvili:** They are demanding the government reverse its decision, arguing that it was made without proper public consultation and contradicts the overwhelming desire for closer EU integration. Many also see this as a sign that the ruling party is backsliding on democratic reforms.
**Host:** The EU has expressed “deep concern” over the decision. What implications could this delay have for Georgia’s relationship with the EU?
**Dr. Ivanashvili:** This delay casts a shadow over years of progress in EU-Georgia relations. It raises questions about Georgia’s commitment to democratic reforms and could potentially lead to a cooling of relations. The EU may reconsider its financial and political support for Georgia if it perceives a lack of genuine commitment to European values.
**Host:** Dr. Ivanashvili, thank you for providing insights into this complex and deeply troubling situation.
**Dr. Ivanashvili:** My pleasure.
