Listen to the article
Thousands of Georgian protesters marked a full year of daily demonstrations against the government’s decision to halt European Union accession talks, gathering in central Tbilisi on Friday with drums, whistles, and flags in a show of sustained resistance.
The protests began on November 28, 2024, when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced Georgia would suspend its EU membership negotiations, triggering immediate public backlash. Although crowd sizes have diminished over time, the demonstrators’ commitment has not wavered, with daily gatherings continuing for 365 consecutive days.
“They took away the future our ancestors fought for and that we were proud of,” said protester Sopo Batilashvili, reflecting the sentiment of many Georgians who view EU integration as crucial to the country’s democratic development and security.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has responded to the protest movement with increasingly restrictive measures, implementing harsh penalties for demonstrators and passing legislation that critics say mirrors Russian laws designed to suppress civil society. The government has significantly tightened rules on public assembly, making even minor protest activities punishable by detention.
Under the new regulations, protesters wearing face masks, blocking roads, or setting up temporary structures can face up to 15 days of administrative detention, with organizers risking 20 days behind bars. First-time offenders now face fines of 5,000 Georgian lari ($1,850) – ten times the previous amount – while second offenses bring criminal charges.
Hundreds have been detained since these measures took effect, including Rusiko Kobakhidze, a mother of nine and researcher who has been protesting daily outside Parliament. She was arrested twice in November for blocking a street during demonstrations, receiving sentences of one and four days in detention.
“For my children and grandchildren, I don’t want a country where they cannot speak openly, where they will be treated unjustly and won’t find justice,” Kobakhidze told The Associated Press, explaining her motivation to continue protesting despite the risks.
The crackdown extends beyond public demonstrations to target opposition political parties directly. Georgian Dream has petitioned the Constitutional Court to ban the country’s three main opposition groups: the United National Movement, Akhali/Coalition for Change, and Lelo. Several opposition leaders are either imprisoned, living in exile, or facing criminal charges that critics maintain are politically motivated.
Tina Bokuchava, chairperson of the United National Movement, accused the ruling party of serving Russian interests. Georgian Dream was founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who amassed his fortune in Russia and who critics claim maintains close ties to the Kremlin. According to Bokuchava, the party “is essentially fulfilling every single strategic objective that Vladimir Putin had vis-à-vis Georgia.”
Georgia’s position between Russia and the European Union has long defined its politics. The country has sought closer ties with Western institutions since gaining independence following the Soviet Union’s collapse. However, Russian influence remains strong, and the 2008 Russian-Georgian war resulted in Moscow recognizing the independence of two Georgian breakaway regions – South Ossetia and Abkhazia – which remain occupied by Russian forces.
Despite suspending accession talks, Georgian Dream representatives insist the country has not abandoned its European aspirations. “Our foreign policy is EU integration and NATO integration. Nothing has paused and nothing has changed in that regard,” said ruling party lawmaker Mariam Lashkhi, adding that international pressure should not dictate the country’s “internal social economic development policy.”
The European Union, however, has expressed serious concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia. In its enlargement report released on November 4, the EU characterized the Georgian authorities’ actions as “repressive” and “fundamentally incompatible with EU values of democracy.”
As protesters mark this somber anniversary, the standoff between the pro-democracy movement and the increasingly authoritarian government shows no signs of resolution, leaving Georgia’s European future hanging in the balance.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
12 Comments
It’s admirable to see the Georgian people maintaining their commitment to EU integration and democratic values despite the government’s heavy-handed response. The continued protests demonstrate the depth of public sentiment on this issue.
The government should carefully consider the long-term consequences of this approach and seek a resolution that respects the will of the people.
The sustained protests in Georgia demonstrate the depth of public sentiment regarding EU integration and democratic reforms. While the government may feel the need to maintain order, a heavy-handed crackdown is unlikely to resolve the underlying issues and could further inflame tensions.
I hope the government and protesters can find a constructive path forward that respects the will of the Georgian people and upholds the country’s democratic progress.
The Georgian government’s response to the protests is concerning and risks further alienating the public. It’s crucial that they engage in good-faith dialogue with the protesters and find a way to address their legitimate grievances while upholding democratic rights and the country’s EU aspirations.
The international community should closely monitor the situation and be prepared to offer support and guidance to help Georgia navigate this challenging period.
The suspension of EU accession talks is a major setback for Georgia, and the government’s crackdown on dissent is concerning. I hope the country can find a way to get back on track toward EU membership, which is crucial for its democratic and economic development.
The government should engage in sincere dialogue with the protesters and address their legitimate grievances, rather than resorting to repressive measures.
This is a concerning situation for Georgia’s democracy and EU aspirations. The government’s crackdown on protests, while perhaps aimed at restoring order, risks further alienating the public and undermining the country’s path toward European integration.
I hope the government and protesters can find a way to engage constructively and address the underlying issues through dialogue rather than confrontation.
This is a complex and delicate situation, with valid concerns on both sides. While the government may feel the need to maintain order, the protesters’ commitment to EU integration and democratic values is also understandable. A balanced, nuanced approach is needed to find a solution.
I hope the government and opposition can come together to find a way forward that respects the will of the people and upholds Georgia’s democratic principles.