Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, has witnessed mass protests for the fourth consecutive night as the citizens react to the government’s decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union.
These nationwide demonstrations, which accuse the ruling Georgian Dream Party of pushing the nation toward authoritarianism and pro-Russian agendas.
The political tensions have intensified following its announcement on Thursday that the EU negotiations will be frozen for four years, with thousands of people gathering in Rustaveli Avenue while others blocked roads in the Black Sea port city and carried out protests in smaller towns. Protesters have also targeted Georgian Dream offices, expressing their anger by tearing down party flags and vandalizing property.
The decision to stall EU talks has drawn sharp criticism from both Western allies and domestic opponents. The United States condemned the use of “excessive force” against the demonstrators, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas affirmed solidarity with the Georgian people, warning of direct consequences if the government continues its democratic backslide.
However, Georgian Dream officials have defended their actions, claiming their interest is to protect national sovereignty from foreign influence. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed allegations of authoritarianism, accusing “violent groups and their foreign instructors” of inciting unrest. Meanwhile, domestic critics, including outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, argue that the government’s decisions undermine constitutional principles and betray the aspirations of a population that has been long committed to a European future.
This crisis comes amidst Georgia’s delicate geopolitical position. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the nation has sought closer ties with the West, a stance that led to its official EU candidacy last year.
The Kremlin, while not officially commenting, has been closely monitoring the unrest, with Russian officials stating that the protests are another attempt by the West to destabilize its sphere of influence. Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian official, likened Georgia’s situation to Ukraine, cautioning against a “dark abyss.”
The nation’s deepening divisions and further strains on its relationships with Western allies intensify as protests escalate. The coming weeks will test whether Georgia’s leaders choose to address public demands for democratic reform or solidify their contested grip on power.
