Tbilisi Protests Erupt Over Government’s EU Membership Decision Amidst Violence and Arrests
Thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi on Friday night, blocking traffic on the city’s main street.
Laura Kekelidze, a 39-year-old teacher, said, “The Georgia Dream party’s self-proclaimed government is doing everything possible to destroy Georgia’s chances of joining the EU. They know that their authoritarian regime is incompatible with EU membership. But Georgians belong to Europe, which is why we are here today, in the streets.”
Following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement that Georgia would withdraw from EU accession talks until the end of 2028, demonstrations erupted in Tbilisi and other cities.
Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse protesters outside the parliament on Friday morning. Observers reported that both protesters and journalists were assaulted.
Two opposition politicians, Elene Hoštarija and Nana Malaškija, were injured during the protests, with Hoštarija suffering a broken arm and Malaškija a fractured nose.
The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that 32 officers were injured and 43 people were arrested for defying police orders and minor hooliganism. Among those detained was the well-known poet Zviad Ratiani.
Kobakhidze accused the opposition and the EU ambassador in Georgia of twisting his words but insisted that EU membership by 2030 remains a top priority for his government.
The European Council condemned the suppression of protesters and urged Georgia to remain faithful to European values. Ukraine and Poland expressed disappointment over Tbilisi’s decision to halt EU accession talks, with Kyiv accusing the Georgian government of trying to appease Moscow. A representative from the UK Foreign Office also expressed concern over the suppression of peaceful protests in Georgia.
How can teh Georgian government restore trust with it’s citizens amid claims of electoral fraud?
Interview with constitutional Law Expert Vahtang Hmaladze on the Current Political Crisis in Georgia
News Directory 3 (ND3): Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Hmaladze. The situation in Tbilisi has escalated dramatically following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement regarding EU accession talks. Can you share your thoughts on the protests and their implications for Georgia’s governance?
Vahtang Hmaladze (VH): Thank you for having me. The recent protests are a reflection of widespread public dissatisfaction with the government’s actions. When a meaningful segment of the populace feels that their aspirations for EU integration are being undermined, it naturally leads to unrest. These protests are not just a momentary reaction; they signify deeper concerns about democratic governance and the rule of law in Georgia.
ND3: the government’s stance, particularly the Prime Minister’s comments about EU talks, seems to have sparked a fierce backlash. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and the will of the people?
VH: The disconnection arises from the ruling party’s increasing authoritarian tendencies. Many people in Georgia see their path to the EU as integral to their national identity, yet the government appears to be veering toward policies that are detrimental to those aspirations. The Prime Minister’s abrupt withdrawal from EU accession talks until 2028 is viewed as a betrayal of the hopes and dreams of many Georgians.
ND3: With both opposition politicians injured during the protests, how do you see the role of the police and the government in ensuring public safety versus maintaining order?
VH: The role of the police shoudl always be to protect citizens and uphold their rights, including the right to protest peacefully. The use of rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against protesters raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the state’s response. Such actions frequently enough escalate tensions and can create an environment of fear and repression, which only fuels further dissent.
ND3: In light of the recent parliamentary elections that many claim were fraudulent, what is the legal standing of the new parliament, and how should the Constitutional Court proceed?
VH: From a legal viewpoint, the validity of the actions taken by the new parliament is questionable. If the Constitutional Court determines that the electoral processes were indeed flawed, any decisions made by that parliament could be rendered invalid until those issues are resolved. This creates a complex situation where the functioning of government is called into question,potentially leading to a constitutional crisis.
ND3: What do you believe is the path forward for Georgia, considering the international community’s reaction to the recent events?
VH: The path forward must involve dialog and genuine reform. The government needs to engage with opposition parties and civil society to restore trust and work collectively toward common goals, such as EU integration. Also,transparency and accountability in governance will be critical to reassure both the Georgian public and the international community. If Georgia is to remain a viable candidate for EU membership, it must demonstrate a commitment to democratic values and human rights.
ND3: Thank you, Mr. Hmaladze, for your insights. It’s clear that the road ahead for Georgia is fraught with challenges, but your expertise provides a deeper understanding of the complexities at play.
VH: Thank you for having me. I hope for a swift resolution to this crisis that respects the will of the Georgian people and upholds democratic principles.
In the October 26 parliamentary elections, “Georgia Dream” officially won, but opposition parties and pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili rejected the results, claiming they were fraudulent and boycotting the new parliament session.
Zurabishvili argued that the new parliament’s assembly was unconstitutional and sought to annul the election results through the Constitutional Court.
Constitutional law experts believe that decisions made by the new parliament are invalid until the court rules on Zurabishvili’s request to annul the election results.
On Thursday, “Georgia Dream” deputies voted to keep Irakli Kobakhidze as prime minister, ignoring questions about the legitimacy of the new parliament.
Vahtang Hmaladze, a co-author of the Georgian constitution, stated, “From a legal perspective, a prime minister approved by an illegitimate parliament is equally illegitimate. As democratic institutions have ceased to exist, Georgia’s statehood faces an existential crisis.”
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the parliamentary elections in Georgia, stating they were neither free nor fair, and called for new elections within a year.