Protesters once again flooded the parliament in the capital Tbilisi, with some trying to break down the building’s metal gates, and there were reports of unrest spreading to the Black Sea city of Batumi.
ADVERTISEMENTThousands of people have been protesting for the second night against the Georgian government’s decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union.
Demonstrators once again flooded the parliament in the capital Tbilisi, with some trying to break down the building’s metal gates.
Riot police used water cannons to push them away from the building and later forced them back along Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main boulevard.
Some of the protesters used trash cans and benches to try to build barricades, and police reportedly also used tear gas and pepper spray.
That prompted an angry response from the country’s pro-EU president Salome Zourabichvilli, who has long been at odds with the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party.
“Once again, we are witnessing brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media, reminiscent of Russian-style repression,” she said in a post on X.
“These actions will not be forgiven! Those responsible for the use of force should be held accountable.”
Zurabichvili joined the protesters on Thursday night after accusing the government of declaring “war” on its people.
Clashes between police and protesters also broke out late Friday night in the Black Sea port city of Batumi.
“We are not only fighting the Georgian Dream, we are fighting Russia, we are fighting Russian influence in this country. A huge amount of resources, money and everything is being implemented now. So I am asking all the leaders of the democratic world to support the Georgian people. Sanctions, actions, funding, that is very important,” said Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the National Movement Coalition.
Contested election victory
Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in parliamentary elections on October 26, widely seen as a referendum on the country’s bid to join the EU, sparked mass demonstrations and led to an opposition boycott of parliament.
The opposition said the vote was rigged under the influence of Russia, which seeks to keep Georgia in its orbit.
The government’s announcement that it was suspending EU accession talks came hours after the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning last month’s vote as neither free nor fair, another manifestation of the continuing democratic backsliding “for which the ruling Georgian Dream party is fully responsible.”
European election observers said the October vote took place in a divisive atmosphere marked by cases of bribery, double voting and physical violence.
The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on the condition that it meets the bloc’s recommendations, but put its accession on hold and ended financial support earlier this year after the adoption of a “foreign influence” law seen as a blow to democratic freedoms.
ADVERTISEMENTThe EU representatives called for a repeat of the parliamentary elections within a year under thorough international supervision and by an independent election administration.
They also called on the EU to impose sanctions and limit formal contacts with the Georgian government.
The Georgian prime minister hit back, condemning what he described as a “cascade of insults” by EU politicians and declaring that “the villains of our country have turned the European Parliament into a blunt weapon to blackmail Georgia, which is a great shame for the European Union.”
“We will continue our path towards the European Union; however, we will not allow anyone to keep us in a constant state of blackmail and manipulation, which is the ultimate disrespect for our country and society,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.
ADVERTISEMENTKobakhidze also said that Georgia will refuse all EU budget grants until the end of 2028.
Critics have accused Georgian Dream — founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia — of becoming increasingly authoritarian and leaning toward Moscow.
The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to suppress free speech and LGBTQ+ rights.
