Suppose Suppose A Land of Giants
Thousands took to the streets in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, for the tenth consecutive day on Saturday, December 7th, to protest the government’s decision to halt the country’s EU membership aspirations.
Simultaneous protests erupted in Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, Zugdidi, and other Georgian cities, echoing the rising discontent felt across the nation. The root cause of this widespread unrest lies in the government’s Proclamation to postpone EU accession talks following elections marred by allegations of
fraud.
The public’s frustration reached its peak when security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands gathered outside Parliament in Tbilisi on Friday night. Their chants demanded new elections and a renewed commitment to European integration. This crackdown resulted in the detention of 48 individuals.
Georgia’s political landscape has been in turmoil since the ruling party, “Georgia Dream,” declared victory in the October 26th elections. This outcome further inflamed tensions, as many believe the election process was manipulated.
The protests transcended geographic boundaries, uniting Georgians across the nation. In Tbilisi, demonstrators marched
from Tbilisi State University to Parliament, horns blaring and whistles piercing the air. Their procession blocked one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, symbolizing the nation’s determination to make its
voice heard.
With both sides entrenched in their positions, the crisis exhibits no clear path towards resolution. Tensions are
expected to escalate further on December 14th when the ruling party’s lawmakers will choose a loyalist to replace the
pro-Western President Salomi Zurabishvili.
In a powerful display of defiance, President Zurabishvili declared the newly elected parliament and government illegitimate, vowing not to resign until fresh parliamentary elections are held.
Adding fuel to the fire, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobahidze triggered outrage by announcing that Georgia
will postpone accession negotiations with the European Union until the end of 2028. This controversial decision sparked clashes during demonstrations, with the police resorting to disproportionate force against protestors.
Recognizing the grave situation, the Baltic States have taken a decisive stand, imposing national sanctions on those responsible
for the suppression of peaceful protests in Georgia. The blacklist includes Bidzina Ivanishvili, the pro-Kremlin oligarch and honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, and Vakhtang Gomelauri,
the Minister of Interior.
Furthermore, the list encompasses Deputy Ministers of the Interior Shalva Bedoidze, Giorgis Buthuzi, Joseb Chelidze, and Alexander Darakhveidze. The Commander of the Special Task Forces Zviads
Hazarishvili, along with his deputies Mileri Lagazauri and Mirza Kezevadze,
are also on the list. Chief of the Patrol Police Vaza Siradze and Chief of the Criminal Police Teimuraz Kupatadze complete this roster of officials deemed responsible for the brutal crackdown.
The situation in Georgia remains highly volatile. Can Georgia’s leaders and its people find a peaceful resolution to this deepening
crisis? The world watches with bated breath.
* How has the international community, particularly the EU, reacted to the protests and the government’s actions in Georgia?
## Interview with Dr. Nataliaashvili
**Interviewer:** Dr. Nataliaashvili, thank you for joining us today.
**Dr. Nataliaashvili:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Georgia has been experiencing significant unrest for over a week now. Thousands are protesting against the government’s decision to put a pause on EU accession talks. Can you shed some light on the situation for our viewers?
**Dr. Nataliaashvili:** The situation is indeed very tense. These protests are a culmination of several issues. The core of the problem lies in the government’s decision to postpone EU membership talks after elections that many believe were marred by fraud. This decision has ignited anger and a sense of betrayal among the Georgian people who have long aspired for closer ties with Europe.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard reports of clashes between protesters and security forces in Tbilisi. Can you tell us more about that?
**Dr. Nataliaashvili:** Tragically, yes. On Friday night, thousands of protesters gathered outside Parliament in Tbilisi. Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. This action resulted in the detention of 48 individuals and further inflamed public anger.
**Interviewer:** The government argues that the decision to postpone EU talks is necessary after the October elections. What do you make of this argument?
**Dr. Nataliaashvili:** Many people, including myself, see this argument as an attempt to deflect from accusations of election irregularities. The government’s “Georgia Dream” party declared victory in those elections, a result that many citizens question due to widespread allegations of manipulation.
**Interviewer:** These protests are happening across the country, not just in the capital.
**Dr. Nataliaashvili:** Absolutely. The protests have spread to cities like Batumi, Kutaisi, Gori, Zugdidi, and others. This demonstrates a deeply felt national discontent with the government’s direction and a strong desire for closer ties with the European Union.
**Interviewer:** Where do things go from here?
**Dr. Nataliaashvili:** It’s difficult to say. The government’s response to the protests will be crucial. A crackdown will only exacerbate the situation. The international community, particularly the EU, needs to put pressure on the Georgian government to respect the right to protest and engage in a meaningful dialog with the opposition. This is a critical moment for Georgia, and the path chosen now will determine the country’s future.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Nataliaashvili, thank you for your valuable insights on this complex situation.
**Dr. Nataliaashvili:** Thank you for having me.
