Protests and clashes with police continued for the fourth consecutive night in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, following the government’s suspension of talks on joining the European Union. Tensions have been escalating between the ruling Georgian Dream party and opposition groups, who accuse the government of pursuing authoritarian, anti-Western, and pro-Russian policies. The crisis intensified after the government’s announcement to freeze EU talks for four years, leading to protests from thousands of pro-EU demonstrators, who faced tear gas and water cannons from the police.
Protesters, including opposition groups, voiced concerns about the government’s actions and called for paid leave to attend protests. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition leaders have also criticized the recent elections, claiming they were rigged. Protests spread beyond Tbilisi to at least eight other cities, with demonstrators blocking roads and throwing eggs at government offices.
The EU and the US have expressed alarm over Georgia’s shift from its pro-Western path, fearing a return to Russia’s influence. Russian officials have supported the Georgian government’s stance, with Dmitry Medvedev warning that Georgia risks following Ukraine’s path into conflict. The Georgian government, however, maintains that it is defending the country’s sovereignty. Despite international criticism, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed US sanctions as temporary. The protests reflect deepening divisions within Georgia over its future alignment with the West or Russia.
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