Image Source: AP PhotoGeorgia faces its largest protests in recent history. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Tbilisi and other major cities. These peaceful protests began last week but have expanded into a nationwide movement that has steered the country's political map.
The deepening political crisis in Georgia shows a complex power struggle between pro-EU protesters and the government. Public outcry has been unprecedented over the highly criticized "foreign influence" legislation, which is similar to that of Russia. The involvement of President Salome Zourabichvili with the protesters created strain between her and Prime Minister Kobakhidze. This rift could derail Georgia's hopes of EU integration.
Escalating Civil Unrest
Ground reports show a dramatic rise in civil unrest throughout Georgia. Protests have evolved from original peaceful gatherings into intense demonstrations.
Mass protests across major cities
Demonstrations have spread faster beyond Tbilisi to at least eight cities and towns across Georgia [1]. Tens of thousands of citizens have joined this growing movement [2]. Protesters blocked access to Georgia's main commercial port in Poti. Demonstrators targeted local Georgian Dream party offices in Khashuri [3].
Violence and police response
Violent confrontations arise between protesters and police. Police took violent measures and resorted to using water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets to force control back into the crowd [4]. Police have arrested over 150 protesters nationwide [1]. Medical teams treated 44 people - 27 protesters and 16 police officers needed hospital care [5].
Public infrastructure damage
The parliament building and surrounding areas suffered extensive damage. Protesters built barricades on Tbilisi's main Rustaveli Avenue [6]. The parliament building took hits from stones and various projectiles. Windows broke and protective barriers sustained damage, according to the Interior Ministry [7]. Nighttime brings more tension as demonstrators launch fireworks while police step up their crowd control measures [5].
Diplomatic Fallout
Georgia's political crisis has sparked a diplomatic storm, reaching levels never seen before. Multiple high-ranking officials have resigned as international responses continue to pour in.
Ambassador resignations
Four Georgian ambassadors have stepped down to protest their government's stance on EU integration. The wave of departures started with Bulgaria's ambassador, and diplomats from the Netherlands, Italy, and Lithuania followed suit [8]. More than 200 active diplomats have taken a bold step by signing an open letter that condemns their government's position [9].
US partnership suspension
The US State Department has taken drastic action by halting its mutually beneficial alliance with Georgia. This 2009 partnership rested on mutual commitments to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights [10]. The State Department has specifically condemned the harsh tactics used against citizens who exercised their right to gather peacefully [1].
EU response and warnings
Tbilisi faces mounting pressure from EU reactions. The European Parliament passed a resolution that deemed last month's parliamentary vote neither free nor fair [11]. The EU has expressed "deep regret" about the government's decision [9]. Several European nations have raised red flags about the situation, including France, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, and Lithuania [1]. Public polls reveal that Georgia's EU membership enjoys support from over 80% of its citizens [12]. This diplomatic crisis holds special weight for the nation's future, especially when you have such overwhelming public backing.
Government Response
The Georgian government continues to show defiance against domestic unrest and international pressure as protests intensify across the country.
PM kobakhidze's statements
Prime Minister Kobakhidze has taken a bold stance by announcing Georgia will suspend EU accession talks until 2028 [13]. The country will also reject all EU budgetary grants during this timeframe [13]. "We will not allow anyone to keep us in a constant state of blackmail and manipulation," the Prime Minister stated. He described recent EU actions as "utterly disrespectful" to Georgia [13].
Georgian Dream Party position
Georgian Dream's electoral success has solidified its position, with the party winning 54% of the vote and securing 89 out of 150 parliamentary seats [14]. The party stands firm on European integration while protecting what it calls "traditional values" [13]. Their leadership maintains that these actions protect Georgia's sovereignty from external interference [3].
Claims of Opposition Manipulation
The government's rhetoric about foreign interference has intensified. Prime Minister Kobakhidze warns about Georgia's potential "Ukrainization," drawing parallels to a "Maidan-style scenario" [15]. The situation has grown more complex as government officials point to "foreign entities" that allegedly manipulate events [15]. The ruling party's narrative centers on a "Global War Party" conspiracy theory. They claim opposition groups would push the country into conflict with Russia under Western guidance [16].
Internal Political Crisis
Georgia faces its most serious political crisis yet, marked by a deep institutional divide. President Salome Zourabichvili stands out as a powerful voice against the current administration.
Presidential opposition
President Zourabichvili has challenged the status quo by declaring the current parliament "illegitimate" amid serious electoral fraud allegations [17]. She escalated the situation with a Constitutional Court lawsuit claiming basic voting principles violations [18]. "Today the parliament of Georgia no longer exists," she stated during a televised address [18].
Civil servant protests
Georgia's institutions experience an unprecedented internal rebellion. Diplomats and civil servants have united to challenge the government's EU position through signed open letters [17]. This resistance movement continues to grow with significant developments:
Over 3,000 teachers have joined the protests
Multiple ambassadors have resigned
Hundreds of public officials question the EU talks suspension's legitimacy
Media suppression concerns
Press freedom has deteriorated significantly, with 38 recorded violations during 2024's first half [19]. The breakdown of these violations shows:
Physical assaults (26.3%)
Verbal attacks (21.1%)
Legal incidents (23.7%)
Direct censorship (26.3%) [19]
Government officials perpetrated nearly one-third of these incidents, while police and state security forces were responsible for 34.2% [19]. "Journalists are operating under immense pressure," multiple sources have confirmed [19].
Conclusion
Georgia faces a decisive moment. Widespread protests, diplomatic turmoil, and internal political divisions now threaten its democratic foundations. The nation stands divided between its people's EU aspirations and government actions that seem to isolate the country.
The current situation looks grim. Major cities have witnessed mass demonstrations. Multiple ambassadors have resigned. The US has suspended partnerships, and institutions have shown unprecedented resistance. Public outrage has intensified after PM Kobakhidze's decision to halt EU accession talks until 2028. President Zourabichvili's opposition further shows the country's deepening constitutional crisis.
Media suppression data and documented violence against protesters point to Georgia's weakening democracy. Western allies have expressed serious concerns about the country's political path.
Georgia's relationship with Europe and its democratic identity hang in balance. The government must choose between maintaining its current path or responding to domestic and international pressure. The next few weeks will likely determine the nation's future direction.
FAQs
1. What triggered the recent protests in Georgia? The recent riots in Georgia were triggered by the controversial "foreign influence" law, which many citizens perceive to have a Russian flavor. The bill with the government's EU integration policy has sparked great indignation and protests nationwide.
2. How spread are the demonstrations in Georgia? Demonstrations spread from the capital, Tbilisi, to at least eight other cities and towns across Georgia. The movement has attracted tens of thousands of citizens, with demonstrations not only held in major urban centers but also blocking access to the main commercial port at Poti.
3.What response has the government taken against the protests? The response from the government was vigorous in which law enforcers deployed water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets at demonstrators. More than 150 protesters have been detained around the country, while others sustained injuries. The government has also threatened opposition groups and foreign entities with manipulating the situation.
4. The current state of Georgia with the European Union: Relations between Georgia and the EU are strained at present. Georgian PM Kobakhidze declared that talks for accession to the EU will be suspended until 2028 and Tbilisi will refuse all EU budget grants in that period. Criticism came both from internal opposition in Georgia and international partners.
5. How do the international countries react to the situation in Georgia? The international society has been greatly concerned about the situation within Georgia. The United States has suspended a strategic partnership with Georgia because of violating main democratic principles. The European Union and various European nations have also expressed their criticism against the government for its actions.
6. What role is President Salome Zourabichvili playing in the current crisis? She, for one, has emerged as a powerful voice of opposition to the government. In a recent statement, President Zourabichvili branded the current parliament "illegitimate" after alleging electoral fraud and filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court. This created huge tensions between the presidency and the government.
7. Are there concerns about media freedom in Georgia? Yes, there are significant concerns about media freedom in Georgia. Recent reports indicate a sharp decline in press freedom, with 38 documented violations in the first half of 2024 alone. These violations include physical assaults, verbal attacks, legal incidents, and direct censorship, with a significant portion perpetrated by government officials and security forces.
8. What does this crisis mean for Georgia's future? The existing crisis may indeed have far-reaching implications for Georgia's democratic future and its relationship with Europe. Whether or not Georgia will continue its way toward integration into the EU or experience increased isolation depends on the outcome of the situation. A crisis can also show how divisions are deep within Georgian society and its political institutions.
References
[1] - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/1/georgia-protests-spread-as-prime-minister-dismisses-call-for-new-election
[2] - https://www.dw.com/en/georgia-mass-protests-grow-entering-fourth-night/a-70932815
[3] - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/georgian-pm-says-president-must-vacate-office-2024-12-01/
[4] - https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/11/georgia-police-actions-in-tbilisi-amount-to-yet-another-punitive-assault-on-freedom-of-peaceful-assembly/
[5] - https://apnews.com/article/georgia-protest-election-russia-eu-38130a4f4e67f494c1d7e9f312866f7c
[6] - https://www.voanews.com/a/clashes-erupt-outside-georgia-parliament-between-pro-eu-protesters-police-/7882908.html
[7] - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/01/world/europe/georgia-tbilisi-protest.html
[8] - https://oc-media.org/resignations-hit-georgian-government-as-protests-rock-country-for-third-night/
[9] - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/georgia-detains-more-than-100-during-anti-government-protest-2024-11-30/
[10] - https://civil.ge/archives/639985
[11] - https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/01/protests-continue-across-georgia-for-third-night-after-eu-accession-talks-suspension
[12] - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62jp68p315o
[13] - https://apnews.com/article/georgia-cabinet-election-russia-european-union-kobakhidze-1291827f76eac552a2918b4b584fa5a0
[14] - https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2024/10/georgia-elections-results?lang=en
[15] - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/georgia-sees-3rd-night-of-protests-against-ruling-partys-suspension-of-eu-talks
[16] - https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20241121IPR25549/parliament-calls-for-new-elections-in-georgia
[17] - https://www.voanews.com/a/over-40-people-hospitalized-in-georgia-during-protests-over-suspension-of-eu-talks-/7883123.html
[18] - https://apnews.com/article/georgia-parliament-protest-european-union-russia-1cf767b6fb6ca0fc1584191df6b66b8c
[19] - https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2024/10/findings-of-the-press-freedom-mission-to-georgia/
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