EU Parliament Rejects Georgia's Election; Government Halts EU Talks Amid Protests

Nov 28, 2024, 04:42 PM

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a non-binding resolution rejecting the results of Georgia's October parliamentary elections, calling for new elections to be held within a year under diligent international observation. The resolution, adopted with 444 votes in favor, 72 against, and 82 abstentions, cited significant irregularities, voter intimidation, and democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. It also urged personal sanctions on Georgian government representatives, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Kakha Kaladze, Irakli Garibashvili, and Shalva Papuashvili. In response, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia will suspend EU accession talks until the end of 2028 and will decline any EU budget grants until then. This decision has sparked spontaneous protests across the country, with citizens gathering in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, and Gori to express their opposition to the government's actions. Protesters are blocking key streets, marching towards the parliament building, and gathering outside the headquarters of the ruling Georgian Dream party. President Salome Zurabishvili held an emergency meeting with diplomats, declaring that "the illegitimate government has declared war on its people" and emphasizing the need for resistance. Law enforcement has been mobilized, and there have been reports of arrests in Kutaisi.