Georgia's outgoing president has made a fervent appeal to the European Union, urging it to take decisive action to support her country amid increasing political unrest and police crackdowns on peaceful protests. Salome Zourabichvili addressed EU lawmakers on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for the bloc to leverage its influence effectively.
Tens of thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets recently, voicing their dissatisfaction with the ruling Georgian Dream party, which they accuse of delaying democracy and succumbing to pro-Russia sentiment. The protests escalated particularly after the government decided to suspend negotiations for EU membership, leading many to question the nation’s European aspirations.
“Europe needs to find the leverage to act. If Europe cannot exert leverage on a country of 3.7 million, how can it expect to compete with the giants of the 21st century?” Zourabichvili stated, her assertion met with warm applause from the audience. This plea for action highlights her frustration over the EU's perceived hesitance to act decisively amid mounting tensions.
The backdrop to her speech is grim; the police have resorted to increasing force to disperse demonstrators. Recent weeks have seen heightened aggression from law enforcement, with reports of intimidation and violence against those protesting for democratic rights. The situation has bred fears among citizens and activists alike, who worry about the potential backslide toward autocratic rule.
During her speech, Zourabichvili criticized the EU for not acting swiftly enough, expressed disappointment over the suspension of its accession process, and called for more concrete actions against the Georgian government. The EU had granted Georgia candidate status for membership back in December 2023, yet this has not translated to any effective support as the current administration continues to bend to pressures from Russia.
“If we are honest, Europe so far has not fully lived (up) to the moment. Europe has, so far, met the challenge halfway,” she said, pinpointing the stark divide between Europe’s rhetoric and its concrete measures. This discrepancy, she fears, allows Georgia to drift away from democratic norms, and she believes the EU's role as Georgia’s largest donor and trading partner could be pivotal.
Concerns around police brutality have also been amplified. With the government cracking down on dissent, many fear for their safety during the protests, which they view as their only recourse to influence the political process. “While European flags are being banned in Tbilisi, Georgians are still waiting for binding measures to come from Brussels and Washington,” Zourabichvili stated, reflecting the urgency many feel for international support.
Zourabichvili’s appeal coincided with preparations for a summit of EU leaders scheduled to discuss the status of Georgia and its precarious political climate. A draft of the summit statement reported by several outlets indicated disappointment from EU leaders over the government’s actions and suggested they would condemn the police violence but offered little hope of substantial follow-up measures.
“We either go to elections, or we go somewhere we do not know, but certainly will be a crisis you will have to deal (with) in much direr conditions,” Zourabichvili warned, underlining the potential consequences should the international community fail to act. This comment reveals the president’s stark perception of the tensions, hinting at looming instability if the situation continues unchecked.
Throughout her remarks, Zourabichvili maintained the importance of restoring faith and trust within the governing structures of Georgia. Her administration has long been criticized for its growing association with Russia, particularly following the contested elections last October, which the opposition claims were marred by irregularities and undue influence.
With despair evident among the protestors, many hold hopes for democratic reforms and genuine political representation—a dream increasingly jeopardized by their current leadership. Zourabichvili’s voice stands as one of the few advocating for change, urging the EU not only to condemn the actions of the Georgian government but also to enforce real consequences for their actions.
Remaining steadfast, Zourabichvili’s calls upon the EU resonate strongly with those risking their safety to demand their rights. The upcoming days and weeks will be pivotal as scrutiny from the EU and global observers hones in on Georgia’s democratic resolve and the response of its government, which appears increasingly resistant to pressures for reform.
