Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili has vowed to remain in office until new elections are conducted amid protests against the government’s halt of EU accession talks. Demonstrations across the country have led to clashes with police, who employed force to disperse protesters demanding a return to the European path. The political climate is tense with allegations of electoral fraud and resignations among government officials, reflecting a nation grappling with its democratic identity.
In response to ongoing protests against the Georgian government’s decision to suspend European Union accession negotiations, President Salome Zourabichvili has announced her intention to remain in office until new parliamentary elections are held. She has described the current parliament as “illegitimate” following allegations of electoral fraud. Protests have erupted across major cities in Georgia for several nights, with demonstrators demanding elections to restore the country’s European trajectory. Meanwhile, significant unrest has led to police deploying tear gas and water cannons against protesters. Demonstrations have seen participation from civil servants, who have criticized the government for its EU policy, and resignations among Georgian ambassadors in several countries. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, which has been accused of increasing proximity to Russia, has witnessed boycotts from opposition parties claiming electoral misconduct. The situation escalated following a European Parliament resolution highlighting Georgia’s democratic decline, prompting the ruling party to delay discussions regarding EU membership until 2028. Activists have urged for a public broadcaster free from government influence, adding to the call for new elections, while the United States has condemned police brutality amidst the protests. Reports indicate that both police and demonstrators have suffered injuries during the clashes.
The recent protests in Georgia represent a significant political crisis sparked by the ruling party’s controversial actions regarding EU relations. Since 2012, Georgian Dream has governed the nation and is increasingly perceived as shifting the country away from the EU and aligning it with Russia. The atmosphere around the parliamentary elections held recently has been marred by allegations of fraud, leading to heightened tensions between opposition factions and the ruling government. The international community, particularly the European Parliament and the United States, views the situation as a deterioration in Georgia’s democratic standards.
The unfolding political turmoil in Georgia reflects widespread discontent among citizens regarding their government’s approach towards EU integration. President Zourabichvili’s call for a transition period until new elections, coupled with protests indicating a demand for change, suggests a pivotal moment for the nation. Observers, including international leaders, maintain a close watch on the situation, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution and adherence to democratic principles.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
