• 28
  • 418

Georgia Protests Erupt Over EU Membership Suspension

Georgia Protests Erupt Over EU Membership Suspension
Phillip Russell Farr
  • 30 November 02:00, 2024
Tensions escalate in Tbilisi as demonstrators protest against the Georgian government's suspension of EU membership talks until 2028, with violence erupting last night. Thousands are back on the streets for a second night, demanding accountability and government action.
Demonstrations Continue Amid Police Crackdown

Demonstrations Continue Amid Police Crackdown

Despite the violent crackdown by police, including the use of tear gas and water cannons, demonstrators remain steadfast in Tbilisi. The atmosphere is charged as protestors express discontent over the government's suspension of EU membership talks. Many are adamant that they will not leave Parliament Square, signaling their determination to continue the fight for a European future.

Public Sentiment Against Government Policy

Public Sentiment Against Government Policy

Public sentiment is overwhelmingly against the Georgian government's recent actions deemed to favor Russia. Protesters argue that the government's decision to delay EU membership is a betrayal of the people’s aspirations for European integration. As protests escalate, questions arise about the government's intentions and its alignment with the democratic values championed by the EU.

International Implications and Reactions

International Implications and Reactions

The situation in Georgia has elicited a range of reactions from the international community, particularly following the European Parliament's resolution suggesting sanctions against Georgian officials. Observers note growing tensions between Georgian Dream and the West, as democratic countries remain cautious in their recognition of the current government. The outcome of these protests could have lasting implications for Georgia's political landscape and its relationship with Europe.

Tensions in Georgia have reached a boiling point as thousands of demonstrators return to the streets of Tbilisi for the second consecutive night, protesting against the government's controversial decision to suspend EU membership talks until 2028. Protesters, fueled by a desire for European integration, clashed with police outside the Parliament building, leading to a violent crackdown where authorities employed water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray. The Prime Minister, facing significant backlash, claims that Georgia remains committed to EU aspirations but insists the country will pursue membership on its own terms and with dignity. As the atmosphere heated up, reports revealed a heavy police presence on the streets, with riot police mobilized near Parliament, indicating that the situation remains tense. Despite the use of force by law enforcement, protesters have shown resilience, returning to the square even after being dispersed. Calls from the police for demonstrators to vacate the area have gone unheeded, as the crowd continues to express their frustrations about government actions viewed as aligning more with Russia than the West. The demonstrations come as a response to the Georgian government's recent decision, which has raised suspicions among protesters regarding the government's perceived pro-Kremlin stance. Many protesters believe their dream of EU membership is being jeopardized by the ruling party's actions, particularly after the European Parliament's non-binding resolution calling for new elections in Georgia and suggesting sanctions against Georgian Dream officials. The ongoing protests underscore a deep national divide over the government's trajectory and its implications for Georgia's future. Protesters assert that if they lose this battle, the pathway to EU integration would remain closed for the foreseeable future.
  • Georgia
  • EU Membership
  • Protests

Comments

@yvanmargineanu9807

Free Georgia ! Free Roumania ! Free Ukraine ! Poutin 🔜🔜🔜🔜🔜🤡

@ponsyu1951

CIA inspired colours revolution ?

@mr.v3061

A clear case of: You want what you dont have (= everyone outside of EU) and you dont appreciate what you already have (=almost everyone in EU)

@happymelon7129

😝 London escape EU, but encourage Georgian to join.

@tamarjakeli3728

Go Georgia! Thanks DW for covering our story! As a Georgian, I want everyone to know 2 things: 1. Our government is in reality our illegitimate, usurper government. We had parliamentary elections in October which were rigged badly by the ruling party. They declared themselves winner when in reality they lost to the opposition parties. 2. We want to join the EU and NATO so that we have an independent country and maintain our freedom from Russia, our historic colonizer. Russia has been trying to take us back in their sphere of influence through war, both physical and hybrid, and through installing a puppet regime that is our government now. Our illegitimate government is doing everything to stop our EU aspirations and make us a vassal state of Russia. That’s why we are on the streets, fighting for our future, risking our lives. My friends have been injured and arrested. I have been in tear gas and water canon. It’s terrifying, yet we have no other choice than to defend our freedom.

@DarianBax

Go Georgia! 🇬🇪🇭🇷

@reioXyhi

How dare DW lie that 80% of Georgians want Georgia to become an EU country ! There is no limits for constant lies by Deutsche Welle R from Finland

@user-rw718

Russia will never allow Georgia to join the eu. Even if 99% of the people wanted to join the eu Putin will never allow it. Russia will always control Georgia. The world could only dream of having a Trump as president. Once Trump is president Putin will be hiding in a closet like a little girl 😂😂😂😂. America is blessed to have a Trump. Trump is a true boss man how could you not love him ❤❤

@MiSt3300

Im Polish, and at the moment I dont want Georgia to join the EU. There are big differences between EU countries in levels of development, democracy, corruption and rule of law. We have no need for such countries in the EU. When Georgia develops on its own, and becomes as developed as Norway, then we can consider them to become a member.

@herman9255

EU will soon include Mongolia

Other News

Khalida Popal: Resilience of Afghan Women in Footb…

Khalida Popal: Resilience of Afghan Women in Footb…

Campaign to Restrict Social Media Use for Children…

Campaign to Restrict Social Media Use for Children…

Joe Biden's Controversial Pardon of Hunter Biden S…

Joe Biden's Controversial Pardon of Hunter Biden S…

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Resigns Amid Sales D…

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Resigns Amid Sales D…

Australia's Renewable Energy Crisis: Too Much Sola…

Australia's Renewable Energy Crisis: Too Much Sola…

Australia Day Ban Sparks Outrage Among Pub Goers a…

Australia Day Ban Sparks Outrage Among Pub Goers a…

High Court Grants Emergency Aid to Miners Trapped …

High Court Grants Emergency Aid to Miners Trapped …

Ongoing Protests in Georgia: Fireworks and Water C…

Ongoing Protests in Georgia: Fireworks and Water C…

Five Suspected ATM Bombers Shot Dead in Imeni Shoo…

Five Suspected ATM Bombers Shot Dead in Imeni Shoo…

ANC's National Working Committee Aims for Unity Af…

ANC's National Working Committee Aims for Unity Af…

Kirstama Faces Struggles Amid Calls for Fresh UK E…

Kirstama Faces Struggles Amid Calls for Fresh UK E…

Donald Trump's Upcoming Inauguration Sparks Politi…

Donald Trump's Upcoming Inauguration Sparks Politi…

Australian Pubs Spark Controversy Over Australia D…

Australian Pubs Spark Controversy Over Australia D…

Taxi Strike in Durban Causes Commuter Chaos Amid P…

Taxi Strike in Durban Causes Commuter Chaos Amid P…

Joe Biden's Last Days: Hunter's Pardon and Christm…

Joe Biden's Last Days: Hunter's Pardon and Christm…

Kash Patel Appointed FBI Director: Cultural Shift …

Kash Patel Appointed FBI Director: Cultural Shift …

Soccer Stars Celebrate Trump with Iconic Dance Ami…

Soccer Stars Celebrate Trump with Iconic Dance Ami…

South Africa Takes Lead as G20 President for 2025:…

South Africa Takes Lead as G20 President for 2025:…

Tragic Stories of Children Affected by Violence in…

Tragic Stories of Children Affected by Violence in…

Biden Pardon for Hunter Biden: Political Implicati…

Biden Pardon for Hunter Biden: Political Implicati…