Protests continue in Georgia over EU talks freeze

Dec 3, 2024 - Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, angry at the Georgian government’s decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union. The demonstrations, now in their fourth night, have led to over 200 arrests as police use tear gas to break up the crowds.

The unrest follows the ruling Georgian Dream party’s disputed election win on October 26, which the opposition claims was rigged with Moscow’s backing. Opposition parties have since boycotted parliament, accusing the government of steering the country away from Europe.

“You’re betraying Georgia!”

On Tuesday, a protester confronted riot police, shouting, “Everything you do is against Georgia!” before trying to breach their cordon. Her fate remains unclear, but her words reflect the anger felt by many on the streets.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed the protests, calling them an attempt to start a revolution like Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan uprising. “This will not happen here,” he said, echoing similar comments from the Kremlin.

A peaceful movement?

President Salome Zourabichvili, however, sees it differently. She called the protests a peaceful push for democracy. “This is not a revolution or a Maidan,” she said. “It’s a fight for Georgia’s future and against Russian influence.”

The protests began after the government announced it was freezing EU membership talks. The decision came just hours after the European Parliament criticised Georgia’s elections as unfair.

Growing pressure

European leaders have condemned the violence against demonstrators. “The government’s actions go against the will of the people,” said European Council President Antonio Costa.

Protesters say they won’t back down until the government changes course. As the tension rises, the streets of Tbilisi remain filled with demands for a European future.