**Violence Erupts in Tbilisi as Police Clash with Pro-EU Protesters**
On November 29, violent clashes broke out in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliament building to demonstrate against the government‘s decision to suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028. The police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray, causing injuries and numerous arrests.
**Former Ukrainian Minister Compares Protests to Ukraine’s 2013 Revolution**
The protests reflect a struggle for democratic governance and alignment with European values. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba compared the situation in Georgia to Ukraine’s 2013 Revolution of Dignity. In 2013, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign an Association Agreement with the EU, sparking widespread protests.
**Kobakhidze’s Decision Sparks Outrage**
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country would refuse negotiations on EU membership until 2028. This decision sparked outrage among pro-EU Georgians, who see it as a betrayal of their pro-European aspirations and a shift towards Russian influence.
**Police Crackdown Results in Injuries and Arrests**
According to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, 43 protesters were detained during the police crackdown. At least ten journalists were injured while trying to cover the events.
**President Zurabishvili Criticizes “Russian Methods”**
Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili criticized the detentions of protesters as “Russian methods”. The protests have been met with violence, but many see them as a legitimate struggle for democratic governance and European values.
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