Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has suspended talks on European Union accession until 2028 and refused budgetary grants from Brussels. Thousands of protesters gathered in Tblisi to express their discontent with the decision, accusing the government of declaring ‘war’ on its own people. The Georgian Dream party accuses EU leaders of using the prospect of accession talks to ‘blackmail’ Georgia and ‘organize a revolution’. The dispute centers around issues including disputed elections, laws restricting NGOs and the LGBT+ community.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Thursday that the country would suspend talks on European Union accession until 2028, while also refusing budgetary grants from Brussels. This decision comes after months of disputes between the government and the EU over various issues, including disputed elections in late October.
Thousands Protest in Tblisi
Thousands of protesters gathered in the capital city of Tblisi in the evening to express their discontent with the government’s decision. The outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, accused the government of declaring “war” on its own people with this move.
EU Accused of ‘Blackmail’ and Stoking ‘Revolution’
The Georgian Dream party, which is ruling Georgia, accused some EU leaders of using the prospect of accession talks to “blackmail” Georgia and to “organize a revolution in the country.” The party also stated that it still stands by its long-term goal of joining the EU, despite the current disputes.
Background on Disputed Elections
The opposition in Georgia alleges fraud and interference in the disputed elections in late October. The EU has called for independent investigations into these claims. However, the government in Tblisi and the country’s election commission say that the vote was free and fair.
Laws and Restrictions at Center of Feud
Georgia has been involved in multiple feuds with Brussels over issues including a law about NGOs with foreign funding registering as foreign agents, restrictions for the LGBT+ community, and now last month’s elections. The Georgian Dream party has indicated that it is sticking to its long-term goal of joining the EU while entering into these short-term feuds.
Public Support for EU Membership Remains Widespread
Surveys suggest widespread public support for Georgia’s bid to join the EU, as well as widespread distrust of Russia after their brief war in 2008. The ruling party says it still stands by reaching this ambition eventually, despite the current disputes with Brussels.
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