Georgia Halts EU Membership Talks Until 2028 Amid Protests and Police Crackdown

Nov 29, 2024, 08:33 AM

Georgia's government has announced a suspension of negotiations for European Union membership until the end of 2028, sparking widespread protests across the country. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze cited 'blackmail and manipulation' from EU politicians as the reason for this decision. The move has led to significant public outrage, with demonstrators gathering in Tbilisi and other cities like Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi. Protests have turned violent, with reports of clashes between protesters and police, the use of water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray by authorities, and the arrest of at least 43 demonstrators. President Salome Zourabishvili has publicly questioned the loyalty of the security forces, asking if they serve Georgia or Russia. The Georgian Dream party, accused of being pro-Russian, has faced criticism for this decision, which follows a contentious parliamentary election in October 2024, deemed fraudulent by the European Parliament.