Protesters gathered late into the night in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, and Zugdidi, demanding the restoration of EU negotiations, the resignation of the government, and early parliamentary elections.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on November 28 to halt talks with the EU triggered widespread demonstrations. Police have responded forcefully, using what witnesses describe as brutal methods to disperse initial protests. Several opposition leaders have been arrested, and there are reports of demonstrators suffering severe beatings.
Gela Vasadze, a Georgian political analyst, told public broadcaster Polish Radio that the situation is the most precarious since 1993, when Eduard Shevardnadze took power. “For the first time since then, there’s a real question of whether Georgia will fall into the ‘dark barracks of the Russian world,’” Vasadze said, referring to what he called a Kremlin-driven vision of renewed Russian influence resembling Soviet-era dominance. He noted that although Russia’s attempts to rebuild its empire have been hindered by Ukrainian resistance, “this does not mean President Vladimir Putin will abandon his plans.”
In recent days, tensions have not erupted into new clashes, but demonstrators say authorities continue to pressure opposition figures and show no willingness to address public demands. Protesters laid photographs of injured demonstrators and detained opposition members in front of Tbilisi police, highlighting alleged excessive force, torture, and unlawful arrests.
A group of Georgian musicians condemned the authorities’ tactics. In a statement signed by 92 prominent artists, they pledged to boycott any events organized by the ruling Georgian Dream party, citing the use of “illegitimate arrests and criminal methods” to maintain power.
Opposition figure Elene Hosztoriji of the “Coalition for Change” told local media that protesters would no longer stand by if confronted with violence. “We will not just stand at attention while the police attack people,” she said, suggesting that demonstrators might resort to fireworks, lasers, and other non-lethal methods of resistance.
Georgia’s government has made no immediate comment on the ongoing protests or the calls for renewed dialogue on EU integration. The initial decision to suspend the EU talks has cast uncertainty over the country’s European aspirations, raising concerns about Georgia’s future geopolitical alignment and its commitment to democratic reforms.
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Source: IAR, Polskie Radio 24