For the fourth consecutive night, tens of thousands of pro-European protesters gathered again on Sunday 1 December in front of the Georgian Parliament, waving European and Georgian flags, too demonstrate against the government’s decision to postpone the country’s ambitions until 2028. European Union.
These rallies in Tbilisi and other cities were repressed with water cannons and tear gas by the police, who made more than 150 arrests. Dozens of police officers were injured by bullets and firecrackers thrown by protesters.
Protests in several cities in Georgia
Georgia has been in turmoil since the October 26 legislative elections, won by the ruling Georgian Dream party but denounced as tainted by irregularities by the opposition, which is boycotting the new Parliament.
The opposition parties are calling for new elections as well as President Salomé Zourabichvili, who has announced that she will refuse to renounce her mandate at the end of the year until new legislative elections are held.
Earlier in the evening, groups of police, protected by shields, activated water cannons to disperse the crowd, without much success: demonstrators joined hands and danced in circles, and a small group remained motionless under a downpour of water, holding a large Georgian flag. Others threw fireworks in the direction of the police officers, impassive behind their protective shields.
But at the end of the evening the riot police intervened in force, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, some of whom shouted «Fuck Russia! »they erected barricades with rubbish bins which they set on fire.
“Unacceptable” for the EU
The new head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, last Sunday criticized the disproportionate use of force by the police against demonstrators.
“It is clear that the use of violence against peaceful protesters is not acceptable and that the Georgian government must respect the will of the Georgian people”he said during a support visit to Ukraine on his first day in office.
Hundreds of officials, including the ministries of foreign affairs, defense and education, and also judges, issued joint statements in protest against the government’s decision to postpone talks on the country’s EU membership.Around 160 Georgian diplomats also criticized the government’s decision, saying it achieved something “in international isolation” of the country. Many Georgian ambassadors resigned.
Over a hundred schools and universities have suspended their activities.
Sanctions on the Baltic countries
The head of European diplomacy, who took office this Sunday, declared that the situation in Georgia is positive “clear consequences” on relations with the EU. Kaja Kallas explained it «options» It has been proposed to the 27 EU member states how to respond, including through the imposition of sanctions.
Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia have decided on sanctions “against those who repress legitimate protests in Georgia”Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said this on social media.
The spokesperson of the US State Department, matthew Miller, “condemned the excessive use of force” and announced that he had it “suspended our strategic partnership with Georgia”.
How is the international community responding to the protests and the government’s handling of them in Georgia?
Interview: Understanding the Current Protest Dynamics in Georgia
Editor of Time.news: Thank you for joining us today. To discuss the ongoing protests in Georgia, we have Dr. Elena Beridze, a political analyst specializing in Eastern European affairs.Dr.Beridze, can you provide some context about the recent protests in georgia?
Dr. Elena Beridze: Certainly. The protests erupted following the government’s declaration to postpone Georgia’s ambitions for European Union membership until 2028.This decision has infuriated many citizens who see EU integration as fundamental to the country’s future. On December 1st, large crowds gathered in front of the Georgian Parliament for the fourth consecutive night, waving European and Georgian flags. This has become a clear symbol of their aspirations and frustrations.
Editor: It must have been quite a sight.What has been the government’s response to these protests?
Dr. Beridze: The government has responded with significant force. Police utilized water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, resulting in over 150 arrests and numerous injuries among both protesters and law enforcement.the use of excessive violence has drawn international condemnation, including from the newly appointed head of European diplomacy, Kaja kallas, who emphasized that violence against peaceful protesters is “unacceptable.”
Editor: The protests are seemingly part of a larger political crisis in Georgia. Can you elaborate on the dynamics at play here?
Dr. Beridze: The political situation is tense following the October 26 legislative elections, which were marred by allegations of irregularities. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has been accused of undermining democratic processes, prompting opposition parties to boycott the new parliament. This scenario has resulted in calls for new elections and has further inflamed public sentiments, especially given President Salomé zourabichvili’s decision to hold onto her mandate until new elections are organized.
Editor: What are the implications of this unrest for Georgia’s relationship with the European Union?
dr. Beridze: The implications are significant.The EU’s response to the situation is clear: the disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators could lead to sanctions against those responsible for repressing legitimate protests. The Baltic states—Estonia, lithuania, and Latvia—have already announced their plans for sanctions in response to the government’s actions. This situation not onyl risks isolating Georgia internationally but also jeopardizes its aspirations for EU integration.
Editor: Given this context, what practical advice would you give to our readers who want to support democratic movements abroad?
Dr. Beridze: Firstly, staying informed about the political situation in various countries is crucial.Support can also come in the form of advocacy—writing to local representatives to express your concerns about human rights violations and urging support for democratic reforms.Additionally, financially supporting organizations that promote democratic governance and human rights in Georgia can make a substantive impact. Lastly, amplifying the voices of the protesters on social media can help bring international attention to their cause.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Beridze, for your insights. This situation in Georgia is indeed complex and warrants close observation.
Dr. Beridze: Thank you for having me. it’s essential to remain vigilant and supportive of those fighting for democracy and human rights around the world.
