Unrest in Georgia: Authorities grapple with escalating demonstrations
In its sixth day, the Georgian protest movement escalated on December 3, with nighttime rallies gaining momentum in cities nationwide and fractures deepening within the government.
The catalyst for the unrest was the government's decision to halve efforts aimed at securing Georgia's admission to the European Union. This decision, announced earlier this week, stirred widespread outrage among Georgian society, which strongly advocates for EU membership.
Over six days, police have apprehended approximately 300 individuals, employing unprecedented force against demonstrators. Nana Kurdovanidze, chair of the notable watchdog group the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association, reported that many detainees have suffered physical abuse, with some requiring hospitalization.
As protests and police confrontations paralyze the streets of central Tbilisi and other cities at night, key bureaucrats from crucial government agencies such as the foreign and interior ministries are tendering their resignations. A statement, signed by around 250 Foreign Ministry personnel, asserted that the government's move to halt the EU accession process was not in line with the country's strategic interests and contradicted the spirit of Georgia's Constitution.
"Suspending the accession negotiations process will lead to the country's isolation. Without the support of our Western partners, Georgia will remain alone against the threats," diplomats and staff of the Foreign Ministry added in their statement.
Representatives of other government entities have joined the chorus of criticism of the country's leadership, including Tbilisi municipal officials, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education, the National Bank, over 500 personnel from the Ministry of Justice's public Service Hall, and state and private universities.
Perhaps most concerning for Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's government, strains are becoming apparent within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a key pillar of support for incumbent authorities. The chief instructor of the Interior Ministry's Tactical Training Service has resigned, along with departures in various departments among police ranks.
Kobakhidze has countered the criticism from public-sector employees by accusing them of lacking reading comprehension skills and hinting at mass dismissals.
The Georgian Orthodox Church hierarchy, generally considered neutral in political matters, appeared to lend support to the incumbent Georgian Dream party and its billionaire backer, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The church issued a statement criticizing the protesters for crossing the line of legality and morality.
The recent protests in Georgia highlight significant tensions between the government and pro-European citizens. While there have been no reports of key government officials resigning specifically due to these protests, the allegations of mistreatment of detainees and ongoing protests strain Georgia's relations with the EU and internally divide the country. The EU's stance on Georgia's accession is crucial, and any further deterioration in human rights or democratic processes could jeopardize Georgia's integration aspirations.
The recent protests in Georgia, fueled by the government's decision to halt EU accession efforts, have led to widespread outrage among citizens advocating for EU membership. The EU's stance on Georgia's accession is crucial, as any further deterioration in human rights or democratic processes could jeopardize Georgia's integration aspirations. In the midst of these protests, key government agencies such as the Ministry of Education, the National Bank, and state and private universities have expressed criticism of the country's leadership.
