CHAOS IN GEORGIA AS PROTESTS CONTINUE

Georgia is facing widespread unrest as thousands protest in Tbilisi over the government’s decision to delay talks on joining the European Union until 2028. Demonstrators, waving Georgian and EU flags, have gathered nightly outside the parliament, demanding the resignation of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The protests, now in their fourth day, have been met with water cannons, tear gas, and reports of police violence against detainees.

 The crisis began after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of EU accession talks, following the European Parliament’s rejection of Georgia’s October elections due to “significant irregularities.” Critics accuse the government of undermining democracy and moving closer to Russia, while many Georgians view the decision as a betrayal. Polls show that nearly 80% of the population supports EU membership.

 The protests have drawn support from various sectors, including civil servants, educators, and diplomats. Tensions have been building for months, fueled by a controversial “foreign agents” law targeting NGOs and media, which was widely criticized as Kremlin-inspired.

 President Salome Zourabichvili, an independent pro-European figure, has condemned the government’s actions, calling the parliament illegitimate due to flawed elections. International organizations, including the EU and U.S. State Department, have urged Georgia to address election issues and repeal restrictive laws.

 Reports of police violence against protesters have intensified public outrage. Transparency International and other human rights groups have condemned the alleged abuse of detainees. Despite the growing unrest, Kobakhidze blames foreign powers for inciting the protests, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s 2014 Euromaidan movement.

 The situation remains volatile, with protests showing no signs of ending as Georgians push for a more democratic and European-aligned future.