Georgia Faces Turmoil Amid Protests Over EU Membership Suspension
Days of large-scale protests have erupted across Georgia as the government’s controversial decision to suspend negotiations over joining the European Union (EU) sent shockwaves throughout the nation. The unrest is not just a simple reaction but reflects deep-seated tensions simmering beneath the surface for months, as many citizens accuse the ruling party, Georgian Dream, of adopting authoritarian and pro-Russian policies.
On November 28, 2024, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze made headlines when he announced the suspension of EU accession talks for what he claimed would be four years following the European Parliament's rejection of the results of the country’s recent elections. The abrupt pivot from EU integration was perceived by many as not only disappointing but shocking, particularly since Georgia had long pursued its goals of European integration, even enshrining them within its constitution. Just three days later, Kobakhidze appeared to walk back his comment, telling the BBC, “We have no suspended anything related to European integration. It’s just a lie.” The contradiction only fueled public outrage.
Protesters have taken to the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, and other cities across the nation, expressing their discontent and demanding the government abandon its unflinching gaze toward Moscow. According to reports, crowds have chanted slogans accusing authorities of leaning toward Russia, with slogans like “Russian slaves” directed at police officers. This continued confrontational atmosphere has escalated, leading to clashes between riot police and demonstrators and drawing international condemnation.
The catalyst for the protests derived from discontent over the government's suspension of fruitful dialogue with Brussels, described by many as sacrificing the country’s aspirations for stability and democracy on the altar of political convenience. With the wounds of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war still fresh, the public’s desire to pursue EU accession stems from heightened fears about Russian influence. After years of engaging with Europe, surveys report around 80% of Georgians favor EU membership.
Events took their current form after the European Parliament issued a non-binding resolution attacking the legitimacy of the October parliamentary elections, which Georgian Dream had claimed as victory. The statement prompted not only criticism from lawmakers but also calls for sanctions against the government, deepening the political chill.
Demonstrations surged following Kobakhidze's initial statement, continuing for multiple nights. Videos from the scene show people firing fireworks and waving European Union flags, showing the strong emotional connection many Georgians feel toward Europe. Not one to shy away from asserting authority, police responded with water cannons and tear gas, drawing protests from citizens and human rights groups who labeled the crackdown as excessive and reminiscent of tactics seen under authoritarian regimes.
The protesters have not only been elementary citizens; various civil servants, including high-ranking officials from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Defense, have publicly denounced the government's latest maneuvers, denouncing what they perceive as illegal actions against the citizenry.
Even as police brutality increased, with reports of hundreds injured and arrested, various private businesses and institutions began to lend their voices against the government's policies, echoing the discontentment many feel. The tide of public opinion continues to shift, with reports of significant fissures within the government coalition, putting Georgian Dream's authority under increased scrutiny.
The religious community has also played a part, with the Georgian Orthodox Church refraining from its usual support for the government and calling for restraint from both sides during this volatile period. One archbishop, Zenon Iarajuli, urged the church’s leader to stand against what he described as attempts to take away Georgia’s statehood.
The course of events paints a complex picture for Georgian Dream, which has consistently shown signs of drifting from Western norms toward more Russian-inspired governance approaches. This became even more clear with the introduction of laws mirroring those seen across the border, aimed at controlling civil society and restricting LGBTQ rights.
Kobakhidze's government also recently suggested EU membership would force Georgia to impose stringent new regulations and hinder its economic ties with countries of the former Soviet Union, showcasing the increasingly fraught relations with the West. This alleged backing of Russian influence drew immediate praise from Kremlin officials, with Russian President Vladimir Putin lauding the Georgian government’s decisions.
The governance crisis has also drawn international attention and criticism. Both the European Union and the United States have expressed their concerns over the situation. The US State Department condemned the excessive use of force by law enforcement against peaceful protesters, questioning the legitimacy of the October elections and the ruling party’s direction.
Salome Zourabichvili, the pro-Western president of Georgia, has called the ruling government illegitimate, urging for renewed democratic elections as the situation continues to evolve following her swift responses to the unrest.
While those supporting Georgian Dream have painted the protests as foreign manipulation aimed at destabilization, many citizens see the current events as pivotal, with the potential to fundamentally alter the course of their nation. This public sentiment creates a stark tension, reflective of the broader historical struggles between pro-Western aspirations and looming external pressures stemming from Moscow.
Moving forward, Georgia stands at a crossroads, as national discourse grapples with the heavy burden of identity, sovereignty, and democratic values. The government’s next steps, alongside public response, will determine whether the future leans toward alliance with Europe or redirection back to Russian ties, continuing the tug-of-war between these powerful influences.
Georgia’s situation resonates well beyond its borders, drawing attention from observers who view its challenges as reflective of wider geopolitical battles at play. The outcome of the unrest may serve as more than just a local struggle; it holds within it the potential to influence dynamics between East and West, highlighting the struggles nations face when caught between assertive allies.
While the protests portray the courage and resilience of Georgian citizens, the visibility of increasing authoritarianism breeds caution. The international community watches closely, weighing the situation’s development and exploring avenues to support civilian rights, democracy, and legitimate governance, as Georgia navigates through these uncertain waters, fighting to define its sovereign future.
The challenges posed by the current government dynamics, alongside the people’s yearning for adherence to democratic norms, will play significant roles as Georgia continues its quest for identity and stability. With internal pressures mounting against the ruling elite, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious—those seeking to mold Georgia’s future aligned with the EU or those rooting for aligning with Moscow’s orbit.
