Tens of Thousands Protest in Georgia Against EU Accession Suspension
Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, for a third night of protests against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union. The protests turned violent, with stones thrown and fireworks set off, prompting police to deploy water cannons and tear gas. According to the Interior Ministry, 27 protesters, 16 police, and one media worker were hospitalized.
The decision to suspend EU accession talks came hours after the European Parliament adopted a resolution criticizing Georgia’s general election last month as neither free nor fair. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned that any violations of the law would be met with severe punishment.
Kobakhidze dismissed the EU’s decision, saying it was based on “shameful and offensive blackmail” that would hinder Georgia’s integration with the EU. The US State Department also suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, condemning the country’s decision to halt its efforts toward EU accession.
In response, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and enlargement commissioner Marta Kos released a joint statement expressing serious concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia and urging authorities to respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression.
Georgia’s pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of controlling major institutions and trying to turn the country into a “quasi-Russian” state. The opposition has called for new elections to ensure the will of the people is not misrepresent or stolen again.
The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023, but put its accession on hold and cut financial support earlier this year due to concerns over a “foreign influence” law.