aljazeera.com
Georgian Protests Erupt Over Halted EU Talks
Tens of thousands of Georgians protested for five consecutive nights against the Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, citing concerns over election irregularities and democratic backsliding; the protests involved various sectors, and the government responded with force.
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United States
Georgian Dream PartyEuropean ParliamentCentre For European Policy StudiesNational Democratic InstituteTransparency InternationalCoalition For ChangeGirchi (More Freedom)Us Department Of StateKremlin
Irakli KobakhidzeSalome ZourabichviliMikheil KavelashviliZurab JaparidzeDmitry PeskovTinatin Akhvlediani
- Why are tens of thousands of Georgians protesting, and what are the immediate consequences of their actions?
- Tens of thousands of Georgians protested for five nights against the Georgian Dream party, which suspended EU accession talks until 2028 after the European Parliament criticized Georgia's October 26 election. The protests, involving civil servants and diplomats, highlight deep public support for EU membership and opposition to government actions perceived as undermining democracy.
- How have previous actions by the Georgian Dream party, such as the "foreign agents" bill, contributed to the current crisis?
- The protests stem from the Georgian Dream party's decision to halt EU accession talks, following criticism of the October elections. This decision, coupled with the controversial "foreign agents" law and an anti-LGBTQ+ bill, fuels concerns about democratic backsliding and Kremlin influence. Nearly 80% of Georgians support EU membership, intensifying the conflict between public will and the government's actions.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the Georgian government's actions for Georgia's relationship with the EU and the broader geopolitical landscape?
- The Georgian government's response, including police violence and accusations of foreign interference, risks further escalating the situation. International pressure through targeted sanctions and support for civil society is crucial. The upcoming presidential election, with a far-right candidate, adds another layer of complexity and potential for further instability.