**Protesters Demand Change in Georgia**
For the fifth day, Georgians are taking to the streets in Tbilisi, the country’s capital. They are protesting against the government’s democratic backsliding and closer ties with Russia.
The protests started after the parliamentary elections on October 26, which many believe were rigged by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The party won 53.93% of the vote, giving it 89 seats in parliament. However, opposition parties claimed the vote was stolen.
Protesters are demanding changes in the country’s political course and closer ties with the EU. They have been occupying a busy junction in downtown Tbilisi for days, but police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse them.
**What is behind the protests?**
The Georgian Dream party has been in power since 2012 and has developed close ties with Russia. The party’s leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has business ties in Russia and has campaigned on a platform of reminding voters of the 2008 war with Russia.
Protesters are also angry about the government’s decision to pause the country’s EU accession process until 2028. They believe this is a move away from European values and principles.
**How has the EU reacted?**
The EU has suspended Georgia’s accession talks due to the government’s actions since spring 2024. The European Commission announced that the talks will remain “on hold” as long as Georgia continues to move away from the EU.
The EU also froze 30 million euros in defense sector funding and paused more than $95 million in assistance to Georgia.
**What is Russia’s reaction?**
Russia has refrained from openly siding with Georgian Dream but has insinuated that outside forces are attempting to destabilize Georgia. The Kremlin spokesperson compared the protests to Ukraine‘s Orange and EuroMaidan revolutions, which were sparked by mass fraud and a move away from European values.
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