In brief
Thousands marched through the capital, Tbilisi, demonstrating against the Georgian government’s stunning decision to freeze its application to join the European Union. The unrest comes after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze revealed that the country would withhold its accession efforts until 2028, alongside a refusal to accept further EU financial assistance. The situation escalated on Friday morning as riot police confronted protestors with tear gas and water cannons.
On Thursday evening, the news spurred individuals to congregate outside the Parliament building, with many chanting slogans critical of the government and its ties to Russia. Protestors accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of turning away from the West and aligning itself more closely with Moscow and Beijing.Authorities reported that at least 43 demonstrators were detained during the clashes, and 32 law enforcement officers sustained injuries. The protests are expected to continue as a deepening divide emerges between the opposition, advocating for stronger Western ties, and the ruling party, which has increasingly shifted its stance.Georgia, a small nation of approximately 3.7 million, has historically been positioned between significant global powers. The current turmoil is rooted in the controversial results of the parliamentary elections held in October, which saw the Georgian Dream party securing its position amidst accusations of electoral manipulation.
