Protests in Georgia turned violent on December 14th as police clashed with thousands of demonstrators outside the parliament building. The unrest is linked to a constitutional crisis over the presidency, which has sparked concerns about the country’s democratic institutions.
Last week, lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party elected a new president, Giga Simeshvili, in a vote that was criticized for its lack of competitiveness. The opposition boycotted the election, citing unfair circumstances. The result has been seen as a sign of the government’s increasing ties with Russia.
The situation escalated further when police attempted to clear the streets outside the parliament building during a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. The event was meant to showcase the government’s ability to manage the protests, but it ultimately failed to calm the tensions.
The crisis highlights concerns about Georgia’s democracy and its commitment to European values. As the country navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how long the current government will remain in power.
Source: https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/12/15/protests-threaten-georgias-kremlin-friendly-government