Thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets for the fifth consecutive night, escalating a political crisis that pits the country’s pro-Russian government against a population seeking closer ties with the West. At the heart of the unrest is a controversial decision by the ruling Georgian Dream party to pause talks on European Union membership until 2028. This move has ignited widespread anger, with protesters calling for the country’s European aspirations to be upheld.
President Salome Zourabichvili, a strong proponent of EU integration, has voiced her support for the demonstrators, urging them to continue their fight for a “European destiny.” In an interview with France’s Inter Radio on Monday, she said, “We want our European destiny to be returned to us,” signaling her disapproval of the government’s stance. What began as protests in the capital, Tbilisi, last Thursday, has now spread to cities across the country, signaling a growing dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, however, remains steadfast. At a press conference on Monday, he reiterated that there would be “no negotiations” with opposition forces, who have boycotted the Georgian parliament. He dismissed claims of foreign interference, asserting that the protests were “funded from abroad.” Kobakhidze also clarified that Georgia was not abandoning its long-term goal of EU membership, but simply reconsidering the terms of accession.
Tensions between the government and opposition have been simmering for months. Last summer, the passage of a law branding organizations receiving foreign funding as “foreign agents” sparked protests, drawing comparisons to similar legislation in Russia used to suppress dissent. The contentious October elections, which saw the Georgian Dream party claim a fourth mandate despite widespread allegations of fraud, further fueled discontent.
The protests have also resonated among students, with Telegram reports showing demonstrations in Tbilisi and other cities. Authorities have responded with force, arresting dozens of protesters, including opposition leader Zurab Japaridze, and clamping down on media coverage. Over 220 people have been detained since the protests began, and reports of police brutality have surfaced, with human rights group Transparency International condemning the violent tactics used by law enforcement.
What’s at Stake?
Georgia, once part of the Soviet Union, has long been caught between the geopolitical interests of Russia and the West. While a majority of Georgians—almost 80%, according to a 2023 poll—support EU membership, many fear that closer ties with Brussels could provoke retaliation from Moscow, as seen in Ukraine’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The shadow of Russia looms large over Georgian politics, particularly following the 2008 war that left lasting scars.
Despite these fears, the desire for European integration remains strong. However, the government’s decision to delay negotiations has sparked a clash between the aspirations of the Georgian people and the strategic interests of their leaders.
What Led to the Protests?
The recent turmoil is rooted in several key factors. In addition to the controversial “foreign agents” law, which has raised concerns about civil liberties, the October elections were marred by accusations of vote-rigging. The European Parliament condemned the elections, calling them a “flawed” representation of the Georgian people’s will and demanding they be rerun under international supervision.
Following the elections, Kobakhidze’s announcement to postpone EU talks for four years was met with outrage. The decision marks a significant departure from Georgia’s longstanding commitment to EU integration, enshrined in the country’s constitution. Despite this, Kobakhidze maintained on Monday that EU membership remains a “top priority” for Georgia, a statement rejected by many protesters.
International Reactions
The West has reacted swiftly to the developments. The European Union expressed disappointment over Georgia’s shift in policy, noting that the suspension of EU talks represents a major deviation from previous governments’ pro-European stance. The EU had already halted over $120 million in development aid in October, citing democratic backsliding, and now fears that Georgia may be retreating from its European ambitions altogether.
President Zourabichvili has called on the EU to take a firmer stance, suggesting that the bloc must “bang its fist on the table” to support the Georgian people’s desire for closer integration with Europe. The United States has also downgraded its diplomatic ties with Georgia, suspending the “strategic partnership” that had characterized the relationship between the two nations.
Russia’s Position
Moscow, meanwhile, has dismissed the protests as an internal matter for Georgia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov called the demonstrations a “destabilizing” attempt by the West to influence Georgian politics, drawing a parallel between the current situation in Georgia and the 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, which led to the ouster of a pro-Russian government.
The situation is closely watched by Ukraine, where many see Georgia’s struggle as part of a broader battle against Russian influence in the region. Former Maidan Revolution participants have offered advice and support to the Georgian protesters, highlighting the interconnected nature of the two countries’ pro-European movements.
As Georgia’s political crisis deepens, the country stands at a crossroads. The government’s decision to delay EU negotiations has ignited mass protests, but it remains unclear how this will play out. Will Georgia stay on course with its European aspirations, or will it retreat into Russia’s orbit? The outcome will not only shape the future of Georgian politics but also have far-reaching implications for the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus.
