Thousands of people protested for the second night against the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks

Thousands of people protested for the second consecutive night against the Georgian government’s decision to suspend accession talks with the European Union. the protesters returned Crowd in the capital’s Parliament, Some people tried to break the metal doors of the building.

Riot police used water cannon to shoo them away from the building and later forced them back to Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare. Some protesters used it Garbage containers and benches to make barricadesWhile officers reportedly used tear gas and pepper spray. This provoked an angry reaction from the country’s President, Salome ZourabichviliThe party has been in conflict with the pro-European and long-standing pro-Russian Georgian Dream party.

“Once again, we are witnessing brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media, reminiscent of Russian style repression“, he said in a post on X. “These actions will not be forgiven! “Those responsible for the use of force must be held accountable.”

Zourabichvili joined protesters on Thursday night after accusing the government “Declare war” on your own people.There were also clashes between police and protesters in the Black Sea port city of Batumi late Friday.

“We are not only fighting against the Georgian dream; we are fighting against Russia, we are fighting against Russian influence in this country. Enormous amounts of resources, money and everything are being used now. That’s why I call on all leaders of the democratic world to support the Georgian peopleSanctions, action, financing, everything has to be done. This is very important,” said Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the National Unity Movement coalition.

disputed election victory

Georgian Dream’s controversial victory in the October 26 parliamentary elections was widely seen as Referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European UnionThere were massive demonstrations and boycott of Parliament by the opposition. The opposition claimed the vote was rigged under the influence of Russia, which wants to keep Georgia in its orbit.

The government’s announcement that it was suspending EU accession talks came hours after the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning last month’s vote as neither free nor fair. which represents another manifestation of the continuing democratic backlash “for which the ruling Georgian Dream party is solely responsible.”

european election observer He claimed that the October vote was held in a divisive environment marked by cases of bribery, double voting and physical violence.

The EU granted Georgia candidate country status in December 2023 on the condition that it comply with the bloc’s recommendations, but suspended its accession and cuts in financial aid The passage of the “foreign influence” law earlier this year was widely considered a blow to democratic freedoms.

EU lawmakers urge re-parliamentary vote within a year international supervision and for an independent electoral administration. He also called on the European Union to impose sanctions and limit formal contacts with the Georgian government.

The Georgian Prime Minister hit back by condemning what he described “Fountain of Disgrace” by EU politicians and declaring that “Our country’s well-wishers have turned the European Parliament into a blunt weapon of blackmail against Georgia, which is a great shame for the EU.”

“We will continue our way European UnionHowever, we will not allow anyone to keep us in a constant state of Blackmail and manipulation

Which is a complete lack of respect for our country and our society,” declared Irakli Kobakhidze.

Kobakhidze also said that Georgia would reject any EU budget subsidies until the end of 2028. Critics have alleged georgian dream – created by Bidzina Ivanishvili, an obscure billionaire who made his fortune in Russia – to become increasingly authoritarian and more inclined towards moscowRecently, the party has approved laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to suppress freedom of expression and the rights of the LGTBIQ+ community.