21st day of Pro-EU Demonstrations in Georgia
Protests Continue in Georgia Over Government’s Decision on EU Accession Talks
Demonstrations in Georgia, which began on November 28 in response to the government’s decision to delay starting the country’s accession negotiations with the European Union until 2028, accusing the EU of blackmail, have continued today.
Citizens who expressed their discontent with the government gathered in the capital city of Tbilisi. The protesters, who once again closed Shota Rustaveli Street in front of the Parliament building to traffic at night, waved Georgian and EU flags.
The demonstrators are calling for the renewal of the parliamentary elections held on October 26 and accusing the government of hindering Georgia’s integration process with the EU. Additionally, they are demanding the release of individuals who were detained in the early days of the protests.
The Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, justified the government’s decision by stating that some European politicians were meddling in Georgia’s internal affairs and using EU funds as leverage. He announced that negotiations with the EU would not commence until the end of 2028, with aspirations for Georgia to join the EU by 2030.
Responses to Georgia’s decision have not been positive, with the US suspending strategic relations with the country. The new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, expressed support for the anti-government demonstrators. The Baltic countries declared that they would prohibit certain high-ranking Georgian government officials from entering their territories.
Furthermore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy imposed sanctions on Prime Minister Kobakhidze and other government officials. The US State Department hinted at the possibility of implementing additional sanctions if the anti-government protests in Georgia persist.
As tensions continue to escalate, the future of Georgia’s relationship with the EU remains uncertain. The protests are likely to persist as citizens voice their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision regarding EU accession negotiations.
