Protests Erupt in Georgia Against Halt of EU Membership Talks
Protests continue in Georgia against the government’s decision to suspend talks for joining the European Union (EU) and in response to the detention of dozens of protesters the night before.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered on Friday evening near the parliament building, blocking traffic on Tbilisi’s main street. One protester, 39-year-old teacher Laura Kekelidze, criticized the ruling “Georgian Dream” party for undermining Georgia’s chances of joining the EU. She stated, “They know that their authoritarian regime is incompatible with EU membership. But Georgians belong to Europe, and that is why we are here today in the streets.”
The protests escalated after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Thursday that Georgia would cease EU accession talks until the end of 2028.
During the night between Thursday and Friday, police used rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the crowd near the parliament. Journalists and protesters faced violence, according to reports from AFP.
What are the main reasons behind the public discontent in Georgia regarding EU accession talks?
Interview with Political Analyst Dr.Levan Tsikhelashvili on the Ongoing Protests in Georgia
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Tsikhelashvili,thank you for joining us. Can you provide some context around the current protests in Georgia against the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks?
Dr. Tsikhelashvili: Thank you for having me. The recent protests in Georgia are a significant manifestation of public discontent regarding the government’s abrupt suspension of EU accession talks until the end of 2028. Many Georgians view this decision as not only a setback in a long-desired goal of EU integration but also a reflection of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies. There is a strong sentiment among the populace that their aspirations to be part of the European community are being undermined.
NewsDirectory3: What has sparked the escalation of these protests, notably following Prime minister Kobakhidze’s announcement?
Dr. Tsikhelashvili: the announcement by Prime Minister Kobakhidze acted as a catalyst, igniting already simmering frustrations about democratic backsliding and the stagnation of EU integration efforts. His statements resonated negatively with many citizens, particularly those who have invested emotional and political capital into the hope of EU membership. When peaceful protests were met with a heavy-handed police response, including the use of rubber bullets and tear gas, it further intensified public anger and drew larger crowds to the streets.
NewsDirectory3: We’ve seen reports of injuries and arrests during the protests.What do you think the long-term implications of this police response might be?
Dr.Tsikhelashvili: The violent crackdown on protesters can have profound long-term consequences for the government. It risks deepening the divide between the state and the populace and may galvanize even more protests in the future. The fact that opposition politicians were injured highlights that this struggle is not simply about public sentiment but also involves political stakes. The government’s actions risk delegitimizing their authority both domestically and internationally.
NewsDirectory3: How do you see the relationship between Georgia and the EU evolving in light of these events?
Dr. Tsikhelashvili: The relationship will likely face increased scrutiny. The EU has been supportive of Georgia’s aspirations historically, but the current government’s move away from integration efforts will test that commitment. The EU’s response to the protests and the government’s tactics will be crucial. If the situation continues to deteriorate, it may lead to a reevaluation of how the EU engages with Georgia. There is a need for a robust dialogue, but that requires a more cooperative and reform-minded government in Tbilisi.
NewsDirectory3: what message do you think the protesters are trying to convey with their demonstrations?
Dr.Tsikhelashvili: The protesters are asserting their identity as Europeans and reclaiming their narrative about the future they envision for Georgia. They are urging their government to be held accountable for their decisions and to restore the democratic values they feel are under threat. The statement from Laura Kekelidze reflects a broader sentiment — that Georgians see themselves as inherently European and deserve a government that does not retreat from such aspirations.The protests are ultimately about reclaiming agency over their national destiny.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr.Tsikhelashvili, for sharing your insights with us today.
Dr. Tsikhelashvili: Thank you for having me.
Two opposition politicians, Elene Hoštarija and Nana Malaškija, were injured during the protests. Hoštarija suffered a broken arm, while Malaškija sustained a broken nose, as reported by the opposition.
Georgia’s Interior Ministry stated that 32 police officers were injured, and authorities arrested 43 individuals for disobeying police orders and petty hooliganism.