Georgia's Tense Standoff: Failed Revolution Amidst EU Accession Crisis
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claims an attempted 'revolution' has failed following protests against the suspension of EU accession talks. Demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in arrests and injuries. President Salome Zourabichvili supports the protests, though her role is largely ceremonial.
In the aftermath of days of intense protests, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declared on Tuesday that an attempt to initiate a 'revolution' had been thwarted. The protests erupted following the government's decision to halt European Union accession discussions until 2028, a move that has deeply unsettled the nation's pro-Western sentiment.
The political climate in Georgia is tense, with the ruling Georgian Dream party facing accusations of election fraud after their victory in the October parliamentary election. Despite Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili's support for the protests, her powers remain largely symbolic, providing little leverage against the controversial suspension of EU talks.
Demonstrations took a violent turn in the capital, Tbilisi, as protesters clashed with riot police utilizing fireworks, tear gas, and water cannons. The unrest resulted in multiple arrests and injuries, thrusting Georgia into further political turmoil as the government contemplates legal action against protest organizers.
(With inputs from agencies.)