Protesters in Georgia have taken to the streets for four consecutive nights, with at least 44 people hospitalised in violent clashes between police and demonstrators. The country’s President Salome Zourabichvili has vowed not to step down despite suspending European Union accession talks.
The government’s decision to suspend EU talks was made in response to criticism of Georgia’s disputed parliamentary elections, which saw the ruling Georgian Dream party re-elected as neither free nor fair. International observers have accused the party of rigging the election and violating democratic norms.
Protesters are demanding that President Zourabichvili leave office when her term ends, citing concerns over authoritarianism and human rights abuses. The government has responded with force, using water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse crowds.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned that any violation of the law would be met with severe punishment, but the protests have continued unabated. Zourabichvili has insisted that Georgia’s European integration is not halted, but rather delayed due to “blackmail” and intimidation by Russia.
The EU’s decision to suspend membership negotiations has been seen as a significant blow to Georgia’s European aspirations. Critics argue that the government’s actions are driven by Moscow’s interests, and that Zourabichvili must vacate her post when her mandate ends.
As tensions escalate, Georgian Dream party officials have accused Russia of meddling in the country’s politics through “electoral war.” However, Zourabichvili has dismissed these claims, saying that Georgia is fighting its own electoral war against authoritarianism and corruption. The situation remains volatile, with no clear end in sight to the protests.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/01/romania-exit-polls-euro-atlantic-forces-lead-in-highly-contested-parliamentary-elections