Demonstrators gathered on saturday for the third night in a row in different places in Georgia, after the government decided to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union, world agencies reported.
masked police fired rubber bullets and used tear gas and water cannons to disperse fireworks-throwing protesters outside parliament in tbilisi, AFP reported.
The victory of the Georgian Dream party in the October 26 parliamentary elections, which the opposition disputes with accusations of fraud, sparked thousands of demonstrations across the country, and opposition parties announced a boycott of parliament. According to the opposition, the vote was manipulated with the help of Russia.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili told The Associated Press on Saturday that Georgia is becoming a “quasi-Russian” state and that “Georgian Dream” controls its main institutions, including the courts and the central bank, BTA reports.
“We are not calling for a revolution. We want new elections, but under conditions that ensure that the will of the people will not be misrepresented or stolen again. “Georgia has always resisted Russian influence and will not except its vote to be stolen and its destiny to be stolen,” Zurabishvili said.
Cited by Reuters, Zurabishvili said yesterday that the government was illegitimate and that she would not leave the presidency when her term expires this month because parliament is not legitimate to choose her successor.
The government announced it was suspending talks with the EU hours after the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning last month’s elections as unfree and unfair. According to European observers,the vote took place in an atmosphere of division and with cases of bribery,double voting and physical violence. MEPs called for repeat elections within a year under strict international supervision and under an independent electoral administration. They also called on the EU to impose sanctions and limit its official contacts with the Georgian government.
For his part, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Saturday that Tbilisi remained committed to European integration, but accused unnamed ”foreign organizations” of wanting the “ukrainization” of Georgia and a “Maidan-style scenario”.
What implications could the recent protests in Georgia have on its aspirations for European Union membership?
Interview wiht Political Analyst Dr. Mariam Kachkachishvili on georgia’s Political Turmoil
Editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, dr. Kachkachishvili. Recent protests in Georgia following the controversial elections have captured global attention. Can you provide an overview of what led to these demonstrations?
Dr. mariam Kachkachishvili: Thank you for having me. The root of the unrest lies in the parliamentary elections held on October 26, which the opposition has claimed were marred by fraud. The ruling Georgian Dream party’s victory has led to widespread accusations of electoral manipulation, particularly involving external influences, namely Russia. When the government announced that it would suspend negotiations for European Union integration, tensions escalated dramatically.
Editor: The response from the government, including the use of rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters, seems severe. What does this indicate about the current state of governance in Georgia?
Dr. Kachkachishvili: Indeed, the government’s heavy-handed response is alarming. It reveals a growing authoritarianism, as well as a precarious grasp on power amid these tensions. President Salome Zurabishvili’s remarks about Georgia possibly becoming a “quasi-Russian” state highlight fears that the Georgian Dream party is consolidating power while undermining democratic institutions. Her refusal to leave office at the term’s end further illustrates the legitimacy crisis we’re witnessing.
Editor: From an international perspective, how is the EU reacting to the situation, and what actions could they take?
Dr. Kachkachishvili: The European Parliament has already condemned the elections as unfree and unfair. They’re calling for repeat elections under international supervision, which reflects their commitment to democratic standards in partner countries. Sanctions and limited engagement with the Georgian government are also potential actions on the table. This could result in notable diplomatic and economic ramifications for Georgia, especially concerning its aspirations for EU membership.
Editor: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze mentioned that there are efforts from “foreign organizations” to induce a “Maidan-style scenario.” What does this imply for Georgia’s future?
Dr.Kachkachishvili: Kobakhidze’s statement is part of a broader narrative to deflect blame and rally nationalistic sentiments. By invoking the Maidan protests in Ukraine, he frames the current situation as an external threat, which could rally support among his base. However, this rhetoric may also deepen divisions within the country. If the opposition remains organized and focused on uniting against perceived foreign meddling, it could lead to more significant political unrest.
Editor: For readers interested in understanding the situation further, what practical steps can they take to stay informed and potentially engage with these ongoing issues?
Dr. Kachkachishvili: I encourage readers to follow credible news sources and international observers covering the situation in Georgia.Engaging with organizations that promote democratic practices can be beneficial, whether through awareness campaigns or by supporting civil society groups in Georgia. Staying informed about sanctions and international relations will also help citizens comprehend the broader implications of Georgia’s current trajectory.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kachkachishvili, for your insights into this critical issue. As the situation in Georgia continues to unfold, it’s essential for both local and international communities to remain vigilant and informed.