The ongoing political crisis in Georgia has escalated dramatically following the government’s recent suspension of its European Union membership aspirations. Tensions have erupted into widespread protests in the capital city, Tbilisi, where riot police clashed with demonstrators using pepper spray and water cannons. The unrest began after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the European Union of “blackmail” and announced that Georgia would not pursue its EU membership until the end of 2028. This announcement has ignited considerable public outcry, with many citizens expressing their disapproval and disbelief over the government’s decision.
The protests reflect a broader sense of frustration within Georgia regarding its political leadership. In the lead-up to these demonstrations, EU lawmakers voiced concerns about significant irregularities in last month’s parliamentary elections. They have called for a re-run, highlighting issues such as vote buying, intimidation of voters, and harassment of election observers. With allegations of electoral fraud rampant, opposition parties have refused to engage with the newly elected parliament, asserting that the elections were fundamentally compromised. The situation has led to heightened tensions, with President Salome Zurabishvili terming the election results “unconstitutional”.
These recent developments come against a backdrop of Georgia’s political climate since 2012, when the Georgian Dream party took control of the government. Critics have accused the ruling party of steering the nation away from Western alliances and closer to Russian influence. The European Parliament has depicted the current political situation as part of a “worsening democratic crisis,” placing the blame on the ruling party for the current turmoil. The party’s proposal to delay EU integration has been met with fierce resistance, especially among youth and civil society groups.
In response to the announcement to suspend EU membership talks, large crowds gathered to protest outside the offices of the Georgian Dream party. The clashes intensified in the early hours, as police attempted to disperse the protesters, resulting in a chaotic standoff. Reports indicated that over forty people were arrested during the unrest, with some demonstrators engaging in acts of vandalism, leading to injuries among both police and protesters. The precise number of individuals injured during the clashes remains uncertain.
Conversing with the media, ordinary citizens like 20-year-old Shota Sabashvili declared their belief that the elections were illegitimate and emphasized their determination to fight back against what they perceive as a compromised government. Another protestor, a student named Ana, expressed her conviction that the Georgian people would not allow the government to pull the country back into the sphere of Russian influence, emphasizing a strong desire for EU alignment instead.
Georgia has held official EU candidate status since 2023, but earlier in the year, the accession process was put on hold due to concerns over legislation perceived as undermining democratic freedoms, resembling Russian-style laws targeting foreign interests. Despite the recent setback, Kobakhidze assured that his government intends to continue implementing reforms necessary for eventual accession to the EU by 2030, insisting on the importance of respecting national interests and traditional values.
Former Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili noted that Georgia is at an unprecedented crossroads. Historically, the country has maintained a pro-Western stance, but recent developments indicate a shift that may steer Georgia away from its long-standing aspirations for European integration. As the government faces mounting pressure from the public, the future of Georgia’s political trajectory remains perilously uncertain amidst ongoing protests and international scrutiny.
