In brief
Significant protests broke out in Tbilisi, Georgia, as citizens reacted to the government's decision to pause its EU accession talks. With police intervening, tensions between pro-Western demonstrators and the ruling party escalate.
In Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, a wave of protests erupted late Thursday night after the government announced it would suspend its bid to join the European Union for the next four years. This decision has intensified the existing rift between opposition factions advocating for closer ties with the West and the ruling Georgian Dream party, which appears to be shifting Georgia’s allegiances towards Russia and China. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the accession process would remain on hold until 2028 and that Georgia would forgo all EU grants, despite having received over $500 million since 2019. The news led to thousands of demonstrators blocking major streets, shouting slogans including “slaves” and “Russians,” as riot police moved in to clear the area.Authorities reported that 43 protesters were detained, and 32 officers were injured during the clashes, which involve the use of water cannons and tear gas. As tensions in the city rise, more protests are expected as citizens push back against the government's changing stance on international partnerships. The political landscape remains volatile following a disputed victory by the Georgian Dream party in recent elections.
