The decision made by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze sparked a wave of outrage among citizens and the political opposition.
European integration is enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia, which is why the postponement of this process led to accusations against the government of unconstitutional actions. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into confrontation when the police resorted to dispersing protesters near the parliament and the office of the ruling party, "Georgian Dream."
"Today we decided not to place the issue of starting negotiations with the EU on the agenda until the end of 2028. Additionally, we are rejecting any budget grants from the European Union until the end of 2028," Kobakhidze stated, prompting a nationwide uprising.
Protesters, attempting to build barricades and burn tires, reported beatings, chemical burns, and even harassment following the dispersal. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia claims that the demonstration exceeded legal limits: participants allegedly resisted the police, insulted law enforcement officers, and threw various objects at them.
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili harshly criticized the government, calling its actions a "constitutional coup." She accused the authorities of shifting from a European path to a pro-Russian policy. Zourabichvili compared the actions of the security forces to "robocops" who pursue protesters even in churches and pharmacies.
Experts believe that the sudden decision by the government may be linked to pressure from the European Union. A resolution from the European Parliament called for sanctions against the sponsor of the ruling party, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, and his associates, which could have impacted the economic interests of the ruling elite.
The situation in Georgia is being compared to the events of the Euromaidan in Ukraine in 2013, when the violent dispersal of a peaceful protest led to a large-scale movement of civil disobedience. The Georgian opposition is calling for strikes and mass protests to defend the country's European future.
Source: bbc .