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Georgia Rocked by Protests as Tens of Thousands Demand New Elections
Calls for Reforms Follow Suspension of EU Membership Bid
Thousands of people took to the streets of Tbilisi for the third consecutive night, demanding the resignation of the Georgian government and new elections. The demonstrations, fueled by anger over the government’scancellation of its bid for European Union membership, continued to escalate.
President Salome Zourabichvili described the government as “not legitimate” acknowledging the wave of public outrage triggered by the recent decision.
Andréasy Bazdejov:
The government’s statement on halting EU integration was delivered with complete dismissiveness and disregard for the aspirations of millions. It symbolizes a brazen disregard for the will of the Georgian people. We demand a pathway to democracy and a government that truly represents the voices of this nation.
Public Outrage Ignites After EU Bid Suspended
The protests erupted after the Georgian government revealed its decision to withdraw its formal application for EU membership, citing the need for further internal preparations. The move drew sharp criticism from many citizens who viewed it as a betrayal of their hopes for closer ties with Europe.
Protesters, chanting slogans calling for the resignation of the current administration, clashed with police near the Georgian parliament building. Images captured the tense stand-off, showcasing the escalating tensions within ROC
The government’s retreat from its EU membership bid angered many Georgians who feel deeply disillusioned with the political system.
"They’ve betrayed our vision for a better future:"
A protester,
"We’ve been working tirelessly to meet the EU’s standards, striving to create a more democratic and prosperous nation. This decision is a slap in the face."
Protesters Demand Resignations and Constitutional Laws
The demonstrations highlight the growing frustrated with what many see as increasingly authoritarian tendencies within the Georgian government. Protesters bore signs calling for new elections and concrete
ac Maßnahmen. Many questioned the government’s commitment to democratic values and sought a return to a more representative governance.
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As special solidarity and dillffic(@v چیه?) illuminous bandage$
Crisis Deepens: Parties Diluted
The president’s alliance with was a decision designed to restrict the opposition.
"We’ll continue to fight for our dreams of a European Georgia," declared an opposition leader. This escalation in tensions and the suspension of EU accession talks
foreground.
Amid mounting unrest, some political factions urged calm and dialogue. However, it was
calls
for immediate resignation
What is the reason behind President Zourabichvili’s statement about the Georgian government?
**Anchor:** Welcome back to the program. We’re continuing our coverage of the ongoing protests in Georgia, where tens of thousands have taken to the streets demanding the resignation of the government and new elections.
Joining us now is Andreasy Bazdejov, a prominent member of the opposition movement, to shed light on the unfolding situation. Andreasy, thanks for being with us.
**Andreasy Bazdejov:** Thank you for having me.
**Anchor:** Can you tell us about the mood on the ground in Tbilisi right now? What are the protesters’ primary demands?
**Andreasy Bazdejov:** The mood is electric, a mix of anger and determined hope. The people are furious over the government’s decision to abruptly halt Georgia’s EU membership bid. It was a betrayal of their aspirations for a democratic and European future.
We are demanding the resignation of this illegitimate government [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/29/world/europe/georgia-protests-eu-membership.html)]and fresh elections. The Georgian people deserve a government that truly represents their will and is committed to pursuing European integration.
**Anchor:** You mentioned the government’s justification for suspending the EU bid. Can you elaborate on why this decision has sparked such widespread outrage?
**Andreasy Bazdejov:** The government claims it needs more time to prepare for EU membership. But this is simply a smokescreen. Their statement on halting EU integration was delivered with complete dismissiveness and disregard for the aspirations of millions. It symbolizes a brazen disregard for the will of the Georgian people.
The people see through this charade. They understand that this is a move to consolidate power, to silence dissent, and to steer the country away from its pro-Western path.
**Anchor:** President Zourabichvili has stated that the government is “not legitimate.” How significant is this statement coming from the President?
**Andreasy Bazdejov:** It’s a watershed moment. President Zourabichvili’s recognition of the government’s illegitimacy lends credence to our demands and adds to the pressure for change. [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/29/world/europe/georgia-protests-eu-membership.html)] Her words embolden us and inspire us to keep pushing for a government that respects the will of the people.
**Anchor:** Where do you see this going from here, Andreasy? What’s the next step for the protest movement?
**Andreasy Bazdejov:** We will not back down. The protests will continue until our demands are met. We are calling on the international community to stand with the Georgian people, to condemn the government’s actions, and to support our quest for a democratic and European future.
**Anchor:** Andreasy Bazdejov, thanks for your time and insights. We’ll continue to follow developments in Georgia closely.