The third consecutive day of protests on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi saw an escalation of tensions as demonstrators clashed with authorities, expressing outrage over the Georgian Dream (GD) party’s decision to delay EU accession talks until 2028. The protests, sparked by this foreign policy U-turn, have drawn criticism from both international observers and local institutions, highlighting the growing discontent within the country.
Fire and Barricades at Parliament
Late Saturday night, demonstrators erected barricades on Rustaveli Avenue and set fire to an effigy of GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. Reports also emerged of pyrotechnics targeting the Parliament building and fires seen inside. Protesters smashed windows and intensified their actions, signaling frustration with both the government’s decision and prior police brutality.
Police and Ministry Response
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) issued a warning of a “lawful response” to what it described as violent actions by protesters. Over the past three days, police have been accused of using excessive force, including water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Human rights organizations have condemned these actions as disproportionate, raising concerns over violations of the right to peaceful assembly.
Diplomatic Resignations
The protests have triggered resignations among Georgian diplomats, including the acting ambassadors to Italy and the Netherlands. These resignations reflect dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s decision to halt EU integration efforts, which many see as a betrayal of Georgia’s pro-European aspirations.
Public Broadcaster Under Fire
Journalists criticized the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) for biased reporting in favor of the government. In an unprecedented move, GPB went live with a program hosting journalists who voiced their grievances against its editorial policies, sparking further debate on media freedom in Georgia.
International Media Support
Prominent journalists and media figures resigned or publicly protested, accusing pro-government outlets of undermining Georgia’s European aspirations. Tamar Nutsubidze, Brussels correspondent for Rustavi 2, quit, stating that GD’s policies had moved Georgia farther away from Europe.
Global Reactions
The international community has condemned the government’s actions, with officials from France, Sweden, and Lithuania expressing solidarity with the Georgian people. The U.S. Helsinki Commission called for sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and GD leaders, accusing them of aligning with Russian interests and undermining Georgia’s sovereignty.
OSCE and Other Watchdogs
The OSCE/ODIHR criticized the crackdown on protests as a serious breach of the right to peaceful assembly. Transparency International and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) demanded accountability for the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement.
Significance Amid Regional Tensions
This wave of protests comes at a critical time for the region, with increased tensions in neighboring countries like Turkey and Syria. Georgia’s decision to distance itself from European integration is seen as a strategic pivot, potentially aligning closer with Russian interests. The demonstrations highlight the populace’s resistance to such shifts and their desire for a European future.
What’s Next?
With protests continuing across major cities like Batumi, Kutaisi, and Akhaltsikhe, the Georgian government faces mounting internal and external pressure. The situation underscores a broader struggle for Georgia’s identity—balancing between Russian influence and European aspirations. How this unfolds could have profound implications for the country’s democratic future.