Georgia: Violent protests in Tbilisi as ‘pro-Russian’ government suspends bid to join EU until 2028

Violent protests have erupted in Georgia over its ruling party’s decision to put talks on the country’s longstanding bid to join the EU back until 2028. 

Police in riot gear used a water cannon, tear gas and pepper spray as they ordered crowds of protesters on the streets of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, to disperse.

Pictures show masked protesters clashing with police and being dragged away, while some of the demonstrators tossed fireworks at officers shouting “Russians” and “Slaves!”.

Three police officers were injured, the country’s interior ministry said. It comes after tens of thousands protested last month against the results of parliamentary elections which they claimed had been rigged with the help of Russia.

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The Georgian Dream governing bloc accused the EU of “a cascade of insults”, saying in a statement it was using the prospect of accession talks to “blackmail” the country, and to “organise a revolution in the country”.

As a result, it said: “We have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. Also, we refuse any budgetary grant from the European Union until the end of 2028.”

President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU critic of Georgian Dream whose powers are mostly ceremonial, said the ruling party had “declared not peace, but war against its own people, its past and future”.

Georgia, an ex-Soviet state which has held aspirations to join the 27-member state bloc, has had a series of mass protests against what is seen as an increasingly pro-Russia government over the past year.

Georgia has been a nation in turmoil since its parliamentary election last month.

The Georgian Dream, which has been in power for 12 years, has denounced claims it is pro-Russian and stated it is committed to democracy and integration with the West.