Georgia Erupts in Protests as Government Halts EU Membership Bid

The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, has been engulfed in turmoil as protests against the government’s suspension of the country’s European Union accession bid entered a fourth consecutive day. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday night, expressing outrage over the decision to delay EU membership talks until 2028 and reject substantial financial grants from the bloc. 

Background of Crisis 

protests were triggered by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement last Thursday, which marked a significant policy shift for the lack Sea nation of 3.7 million people. EU integration has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s foreign policy, enshrined in its Constitution as a national goal. The abrupt decision to stall the process has deepened the political divide in a country already grappling with a crisis following contentious elections in October. 

The ruling Georgian Dream party, accused by the opposition of election fraud, has been pivoting away from the est in favor of closer ties with Russia and China. This move has drawn fierce criticism from opposition leaders and civil society, who view EU and NATO integration as vital for Georgia’s sovereignty and democratic future. 

Protests Turn Violent 

Demonstrations outside the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi escalated late on Sunday, with protesters clashing with police in scenes of chaos and defiance. Waving red-and-white Georgian flags and pointing green lasers, the crowd chanted against the government’s policies. As tensions rose,  police deployed water cannons and fire hydrants to disperse demonstrators. Protesters responded with firecrackers and fireworks, lighting up the night sky. 

According to the Interior Ministry,  protests “evolved into violence” as some participants threw pyrotechnics and ignited objects, sparking a fire at the Parliament building. Protective barriers were torn down, and windows were shattered as the standoff intensified. 

Ministry reported over 150 arrests by Saturday night, with several police officers and 42 Interior Ministry employees injured. Protesters have also alleged excessive use of force, with the Associated Press documenting instances of police chasing and beating participants. Number of injured protesters remains unclear. 

A Divided Political Landscape 

unrest has highlighted Georgia’s polarized political environment. President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of the government, has accused Georgian Dream of a “constitutional coup.” Although her role is largely ceremonial, Zourabichvili has emerged as a key opposition figure, advocating for closer ties with the EU and calling for fresh elections. 

Zourabichvili has vowed to remain in office beyond the expiration of her term this month, rejecting the legitimacy of recent elections that the EU has also refused to recognize. The opposition, which controls 61 of  150 parliamentary seats, has boycotted legislature, leaving the government isolated. 

Regional and International Implications 

Georgia’s shift away from the EU has sparked concern in Western capitals, as the country has long been viewed as a bulwark against Russian influence in the region. By aligning more closely with Russia and China, the Georgian Dream risks alienating traditional allies and undermining its standing as a prospective EU and NATO member. 

European Union has yet to comment on escalating unrest, but analysts warn that the crisis could destabilize the region and complicate relations between Georgia and its Western partners. 

What Lies Ahead? 

As protests continue, Georgia faces an uncertain path. The opposition has called for sustained demonstrations, demanding the government reverse its EU policy and hold new elections. Meanwhile, the Georgian Dream government remains defiant, framing its actions as a pragmatic shift toward national sovereignty and economic diversification. 

With streets of Tbilisi simmering with discontent, the attack on Georgia’s future is far from over. Whether the government can wear storm or if the opposition can leverage public anger into tangible political change remains to be seen.