Thousands of protesters gathered late today for another night in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, building barricades, breaking windows and lighting fireworks outside parliament, in another night of anti-government protests that have stalled EU membership talks the country.
Today’s protests were the biggest by far since the ruling party was re-elected last month in an election accused by the pro-European opposition of irregularities.
Protesters burned an effigy of Georgia’s richest man, the founder of the ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, on the steps of the parliament.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Irakli Kombahicze accused the pro-EU opposition of plotting rebellion. The State Security Service emphasized that political parties are trying too “overthrow the government by force”.
another country in the Caucasus,which has experienced political crises,is facing another one after parliamentary elections on October 26,which were won by the ruling Georgian Dream. Political opponents accuse Georgian Dream and its government of pushing the former Soviet republic away from EU membership and instead seeking rapprochement wiht Moscow. However, many Georgians see Russia, which invaded Georgia in 2008, as a threat to their country.
The political crisis escalated on Thursday when the government announced it was suspending EU accession talks for the next four years. He accused the EU of blackmailing Georgia.
Georgia was awarded candidate status in December 2023 but then Brussels froze the process, which the government accused of seriously obstructing democracy.
This afternoon, the country’s president, Salome Zourabisvili, who opposes the government and supports EU membership but has largely ceremonial powers, said she would not step down when her term ends in a month Christmas, saying that parliament has no legitimacy and no power to appoint her successor. . Zurabishvili said that the presidency is the only legitimate institution in the country.
Prime Minister Kobachidze accused opponents of stalling EU membership talks of plotting uprisings, such as Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan protest that lead to the ouster of a pro-Russian president. “Some would like to repeat this situation in Georgia. But there will be no Maidan in georgia,” stressed the prime minister.
Georgian media reported that the country’s top diplomats in the US,Italy,the Netherlands and Lithuania resigned in protest at the breakdown of talks with the EU.
Over 200 serving diplomats signed an open letter criticizing the government’s position. Hundreds of employees in Georgia’s defense, justice and education ministries, as well as the Central Bank, also signed open letters criticizing the decision to freeze EU accession talks. More than a hundred schools and universities suspended their activities in protest.
The Ministry of Interior announced that 107 people were arrested in Tbilisi during protests last night. The 107 arrested were detained for “disobeying police orders” and “hooliganism” during last night’s demonstration, the interior ministry said.
Footage of security forces violently arresting protesters was widely circulated today. Georgia’s ombudsman said police brutality against protesters was “appalling”.
The Council of Europe condemned the “violent suppression of demonstrations” and the Institution for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) condemned the “disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force” by the police. The United States also condemned “excessive use of force by the police” in the protests and announced that it was suspending a cooperation program with Georgia. Yesterday, France called for ”respect for the right to peaceful demonstrations”.
Major firms including London-listed banks TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia have said they support EU membership. The country’s powerful Orthodox Church issued a statement condemning the violence at the protests.
Also, Khvitsa Kvaratshelia, the star of the Georgian national football team who plays for Napoli football club in the Italian league, spoke out in support of the protesters. “My country is hurting, my people are hurting – it is painful and moving to see the videos that are circulating, stop the violence and the attack! Georgia deserves more in Europe today than ever!” Kvaratshelia wrote on Facebook today.
How might the ongoing political unrest in Georgia affect the country’s relationship with the European Union?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Analyst Dr. Nino Tavakhelidze
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Tavakhelidze.The protests in Tbilisi are escalating.Can you give us an overview of what’s led to these significant demonstrations?
Dr. nino Tavakhelidze: Absolutely.The current unrest in Tbilisi is primarily a response to the recent parliamentary elections, which many in the opposition allege were fraught with irregularities.These claims have sparked outrage, especially among pro-European factions, who fear that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, is steering the country away from its aspirations for EU membership and towards closer ties with Moscow.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen images of protesters burning an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling party. What does this signify in the context of the protests?
Dr. Nino Tavakhelidze: Burning an effigy is a powerful symbolic act of defiance. In this case, it represents the public’s frustration not just with Ivanishvili personally but also with the broader policies of the Georgian Dream party. Many citizens blame him for the perceived regression in democratic processes and the erosion of Georgia’s sovereignty, notably concerning its relationship with Russia.
Time.news Editor: Prime Minister Irakli kombahicze accused the opposition of plotting rebellion, and the State security Service has warned against attempts to “overthrow the government by force.” how do these statements impact the political climate?
Dr. Nino Tavakhelidze: This rhetoric from the government is emblematic of a tense and polarized political climate. When leaders frame dissenters as rebels, it can exacerbate divisions and escalate conflict. It also serves as a warning to citizens who may be contemplating joining the protests or voicing their discontent. This can discourage participation, but it can also galvanize the opposition if people feel threatened or marginalized.
Time.news Editor: The fear of Russian influence seems to be a significant factor for many Georgians. How deeply entrenched is that sentiment, especially in light of the 2008 invasion?
Dr. Nino tavakhelidze: The memory of the 2008 invasion is very fresh for many Georgians. It has instilled a deep sense of vulnerability and resistance against any form of Russian encroachment. the prevailing sentiment is that any overtures toward Moscow could jeopardize Georgia’s independence and security. this historical context is vital, as it shapes public perception and fuels the desire for EU integration as a safeguard against Russian aggression.
Time.news Editor: What implications do you foresee for Georgia’s EU membership aspirations amidst this crisis?
Dr. Nino Tavakhelidze: The ongoing protests are certainly complicating matters. The EU closely observes political stability and public support for democracy before advancing membership talks. If the situation escalates or if the government appears increasingly authoritarian, it could result in a significant setback for Georgia’s EU ambitions. Conversely, a resolution that sees the government addressing the public’s concerns could pave the way for a renewed commitment to EU integration.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what can we expect in the coming days as the protests continue?
Dr. Nino Tavakhelidze: I believe we will see a continued mobilization among protestors as they push for accountability and transparency in the political process. The government’s response—whether conciliatory or repressive—will be crucial. If the protests remain peaceful and articulate clear demands, they could maintain momentum. However, if clashes escalate, it may lead to increased tensions and divisions within Georgian society. The situation is fluid, and the next few days will be critical for determining the direction of both the protests and the country’s political future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tavakhelidze,for yoru insights.It’s a challenging time for Georgia, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these events unfold.
Dr. Nino Tavakhelidze: Thank you for having me. It’s a pivotal moment for Georgia, and I hope for a peaceful resolution that respects the will of the people.