In brief
Protests erupted in Tbilisi, Georgia, as citizens oppose the government's decision to suspend European Union membership talks until 2028. President Zourabichvili supports the demonstrators, while the government remains firm against negotiations with the opposition.
Thousands of Georgians have gathered outside their parliament in Tbilisi for a fifth consecutive night, escalating a political crisis sparked by the government's recent announcement to halt discussions on European Union membership until 2028. The governing Georgian Dream party's decision has ignited widespread outcry among citizens who seek closer ties with Western nations.President Salome Zourabichvili, an advocate for EU integration, has encouraged demonstrators, declaring, “We want our European destiny to be returned to us,” during an interview with France’s Inter Radio. The protests, which began last Thursday, have spread to various cities across Georgia, reflecting the deepening discontent with the ruling administration.In contrast, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reiterated the government's stance, stating there would be “no negotiations” with opposition factions that are boycotting parliament proceedings. He asserted that the protests have allegedly received foreign funding and warned that there would be “no revolution in Georgia.” The situation remains tense as the populace demands a return to the path of EU membership.
