Georgia on the Brink: Democracy Tested Amid Protests and Suppression
Georgia on the Brink: Democracy Tested Amid Protests and Suppression
How mass protests, government crackdowns, and press suppression are shaping Georgia's fragile democracy.
TBILISI, Georgia — As mass protests engulf Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, the nation faces a pivotal moment. The suspension of European Union accession talks has ignited widespread outrage, with demonstrators clashing with riot police and demanding a return to Georgia’s pro-European path. What happens next could redefine the country’s future—and its democratic identity.
The Flashpoint: EU Integration Talks Suspended
On November 27, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of EU accession talks until 2028, citing “national priorities.” The decision sent shockwaves across Georgia, where EU membership is widely seen as a safeguard against Russian influence. Protesters immediately took to the streets, calling the move a betrayal of Georgia’s European aspirations.
“This decision is a step backward for our nation. We will not accept it,” said one protester, clutching an EU flag outside the parliament building.
Within hours, central Tbilisi was in turmoil. Barricades lined Rustaveli Avenue as demonstrators chanted “traitors” and held banners depicting EU symbols. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and mass arrests, escalating tensions further.
A Leadership Clash: The President vs. The Prime Minister
President Salome Zurabishvili has positioned herself as a defender of Georgia’s pro-European future, openly criticizing the ruling Georgian Dream party. On November 30, she declared parliament illegitimate and vowed to remain in office beyond her term, which ends in December.
Her defiance has intensified the crisis, with opposition groups rallying around her as a symbol of resistance. “There is no legitimate parliament, and therefore, no legitimate election for my successor,” she stated in a televised address.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze dismissed her remarks, insisting she leave office as scheduled. “Her mandate ends in December, and the constitutional process will continue,” he said during a press conference. He also accused Zurabishvili of inciting unrest, likening the protests to Ukraine’s Euromaidan revolution in 2014.
Journalists Under Attack
The protests have highlighted growing concerns about press freedom in Georgia. Numerous journalists have reported being deliberately targeted by security forces. Reports include:
- Guram Rogava: The Formula TV journalist suffered broken bones after being beaten by police.
- TV Pirveli Crew: Reporters were sprayed with chemically-laced water, causing severe allergic reactions.
- RFE/RL’s Davit Tsagareli: Attacked while broadcasting live, despite wearing press credentials.
“This was not accidental,” said Tsagareli. “They knew we were journalists and attacked us anyway.”
The Media Ombudsman has called for investigations into these incidents, citing them as violations of press freedom. International watchdogs, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the attacks, labeling them an assault on democracy.
What’s at Stake for Georgia?
The stakes in Georgia’s crisis extend beyond its borders. The suspension of EU talks has strained relations with Brussels, prompting criticism from European leaders. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned, “The Georgian government must respect the will of its people. Violence against peaceful protesters is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has imposed sanctions on Georgian officials accused of undermining democracy. “The crackdown on protests and attacks on journalists raise serious concerns about Georgia’s commitment to democratic values,” said a State Department spokesperson.
Domestically, the crisis has deepened divisions, with fears that Georgia could backslide into authoritarianism. Observers warn that the government’s heavy-handed response risks further alienating the population and undermining trust in democratic institutions.
The Human Element: Voices from the Protests
“We’re fighting for our place in the world. This isn’t just about EU membership; it’s about who we are as a nation.”— A protester in Rustaveli Square
For many protesters, the demonstrations are about more than EU integration. They represent a broader struggle for identity, freedom, and self-determination. “We’re tired of broken promises and corrupt leadership,” said one activist. “This is about our future.”
Can Georgia Find Its Way Forward?
As tensions escalate, Georgia faces a critical choice: embrace reform and accountability or risk descending further into chaos. Immediate steps include independent investigations into police misconduct, protections for journalists, and a recommitment to EU integration talks.
The world is watching as Georgia navigates this defining moment. Will it emerge as a stronger democracy, or will it succumb to division and repression? The choices made in the coming weeks will shape not only Georgia’s future but also its standing on the global stage.