Georgia puts EU dreams on hold as street protests erupt in Tbilisi
Georgiaʼs ruling party blocks EU membership talks and rejects financial support for next four years. Street clashes break-out in Tbilisi as people show their anger against pro-russian moves
Police in Tbilisi used water-cannons and tear-gas against angry protesters (who gathered near parliament building) after Georgian Dream party made a shocking announcement about EU membership talks. The govtʼs decision to pause EU negotiations and reject financial aid until 2028 caused nation-wide protests; three police officers got hurt in the clashes
Irakli Kobakhidze the prime-minister made some weird statements about EU membership being bad for economy - which doesnt match with countries constitution that has EU goals written in it. The ruling party blamed EU for black-mailing and making too many insults towards Georgia: this comes after Brussels criticized many new laws that look similar to Russian ones
The timing is super-bad as Georgia just got its EU candidate status last winter. About 80% of people support joining EU but the Georgian Dream party keeps making pro-russian moves lately. President Salome Zourabichvili - who will finish her job next month went to protest site and faced riot police
The self-proclaimed illegitimate government has already legally signed the betrayal of Georgia and the Georgian people
The situation got more complex after last months election where ruling party got 54% of votes; opposition says it was fake. While govt keeps saying everything was fair - western countries want someone to check what happened there. Meanwhile Vladimir Putin praised Georgian leaders for their brave decisions; this happens even though Russia still controls two break-away regions since their short war
