Tbilisi turmoil: Georgia halts EU talks amid protests
In downtown Tbilisi on Thursday evening, clashes erupted during a protest against the government's decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, local media reported. Among the protesters was the country's president, Salome Zurabishvili.
In Tbilisi, pepper spray was used, and police officers deployed smoke grenades, reported the Echo Kavkaz service (a branch of Radio Liberty) and NewsGeorgia. There were also reports of arrests, although specific numbers were not provided.
Reports of riots have been confirmed by recordings appearing on social media.
The Ministry of the Interior confirmed the use of "special measures" as it was deemed that the protest "went beyond the legal framework". According to the Ministry of the Interior, three police officers were injured during the operation. It is not known how many demonstrators were injured.
Salome Zurabishvili among the protesters
The pro-Western president Salome Zurabishvili participated in the demonstration in downtown Tbilisi.
— Do you serve Russia or Georgia? To whom did you pledge allegiance? I am interested in the answer. Don't you answer to the president? Aren't you thinking about the future? — the leader addressed the special forces officers.
In modern Georgian history, there has been no precedent for an incumbent president to stand between special forces and demonstrators, emphasise Georgian media.
At the same time, dozens of employees of the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a joint statement in which they opposed the government's decision to suspend talks.
Georgia turns away from the European Union
On 30th October, the European Commission announced the suspension of the accession process with Georgia and stated that it would not recommend its resumption unless the authorities in Tbilisi start adhering to EU values, such as clarifying irregularities during the October parliamentary elections.
On Thursday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia itself is suspending membership talks until 2028. "We have decided not to address the issue of opening talks with the EU until the end of 2028. Additionally, until the end of 2028, we are foregoing all EU budgetary grants," he stated.
— The government has declared war on its own people, — commented Salome Zurabishvili on this decision.
