Georgia’s EU Dream on the Brink: Protests Erupt Over Suspended EU Accession Talks

There are now conflicting ideas about Georgia’s future battling it out on the streets of Tbilisi. Thousands of protestors have gathered for two nights in a row to oppose the government’s decision to halt accession negotiations with the European Union, which they view as a betrayal of Georgia’s constitutionally guaranteed pro-European goals.

The government’s attempts to put an end to the protests are growing more intense. Police have used tear gas and water cannons on crowds yelling “traitors” and brandishing pictures of journalists who were allegedly abused during the clashes the night before. According to polls, 80% of Georgians believe that their future is closely linked to the government, and these situations reflect a widening gap between the two groups.

Unrest on the streets of Tbilisi

The streets of Tbilisi have turned into a battlefield where opposing ideas about Georgia’s future clash. Protesters view the government’s decision to halt membership talks with the European Union as a betrayal of Georgia’s constitutionally guaranteed pro-European goals, and hundreds of people have been gathering against it for two nights in a row.

The government is working hard to put an end to the protests as they get more intense. In response to crowds yelling “traitors” and brandishing pictures of journalists who were allegedly abused during the clashes the night before, police have used tear gas and water cannons. The spectacles reflect a widening gap between Georgia’s inhabitants, who, according to polls, see Europe as a key part of their future, and the country’s administration.

Pro-European President Salome Zourabishvili, who frequently disagrees with the rulings of the Georgian Dream party, has publicly supported the demonstrators. In a broadcast speech, she said: “The resistance movement has begun. Until Georgia accomplishes its objectives—returning to its European course and securing fresh elections—we will stay united.”

Growing discontent in the nation’s political and civil spheres coincides with Zourabishvili’s appeal. An open letter condemning the government’s decision as being against Georgia’s strategic interests has been signed by more than 100 diplomats and public personnel. Georgia’s ambassador to Bulgaria resigned in response to the action, expressing solidarity with the demonstrators.

In response to calls from European lawmakers to rerun last month’s election, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has defended his choice and accused the EU of “blackmail”. Kobakhidze described the EU’s actions as a cascade of insults and reiterated that Georgia would pursue EU membership “with dignity” but on its own terms.

However, detractors contend that the Georgian Dream Party, which has ruled since 2012, is bringing the country closer to Russia. This assertion is supported by the party’s history of suppressing opposition and implementing authoritarian-style policies. “The current leadership is trying to entice Georgia into Russia’s sphere of influence, undoing decades of progress toward Western integration”, former President Giorgi Margvelashvili said.

The halt of EU admission negotiations is seen by many Georgians as a basic betrayal. Protesters in Kutaisi and Tbilisi have demanded fresh elections, quick reforms, and a reaffirmation of Georgia’s European course.

The European Union has sharply criticized the suspension. The European Parliament voted a resolution blaming the ruling party for the recent elections, characterizing them as part of Georgia’s “worsening democratic crisis.” Sanctions against senior officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, were also demanded in the resolution. EU ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski was disappointed, describing the suspension as “heartbreaking” and a break from Georgia’s long-standing pro-European trend. He underlined that Georgia’s action went against the wishes of its citizens, who have always favored EU membership.

What’s next?

For those looking for security, democracy, and prosperity, Georgia’s partnership with the EU has been a pillar of its post-Soviet identity and a ray of hope. However, concerns have been expressed about the ruling party’s dedication to these principles due to its growing authoritarian tendencies.

The stakes are really high. Given Georgia’s long history of conflict with its northern neighbor, many locals find the possibility of a lengthy estrangement from the EU unfathomable, since it may increase Georgia’s dependency on Russia. For others, the struggle is about protecting the fundamental essence of a country that sees its destiny as being linked to Europe, not just politics.

Georgia finds itself at a turning point as protests continue. A fresh wave of opposition has been sparked by the government’s actions, and it has the potential to change the course of the country. The streets of Tbilisi continue to serve as a stark reminder that the struggle for Georgia’s place in Europe is far from over. The destiny of the nation will be decided for years to come by whether the government pays attention to its citizens or continues on its current course.

By Ioana Constantin