Mass detentions occur during pro-EU rally in Tbilisi

On November 29, 2024, more than 100 people were detained during a massive pro-European Union rally in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Georgian police employed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd protesting against the government's decision to halt EU membership talks. The protests were a response to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement that the government would suspend negotiations regarding EU accession until 2028 and would not accept budgetary grants from Brussels. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Georgia's opposition and Western governments, who argue that the parliamentary elections held in October—including a victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party—were marred by violations and Russian influence. Following the Prime Minister's announcement, over 100 Georgian diplomats publicly criticized the government, emphasizing the importance of continuing EU integration efforts. The situation escalated as protesters gathered outside the parliament in Tbilisi after the Prime Minister's statement, leading to violent confrontations with security forces. MPs and government supporters claimed that the violence erupted due to the actions of protesters, blaming them for the need to disperse the gathering. Meanwhile, protesters and critics view the government's decision as a significant setback for Georgia's aspirations to join the EU by 2030, a timeline that Kobakhidze had previously mentioned as a goal of his administration. The backdrop of these events includes the fraught political landscape in Georgia since the parliamentary elections, which resulted in the Georgian Dream party securing 54% of the vote. Opposition factions have alleged that the elections were conducted under undue pressure and foreign interference, particularly from Russia. The ongoing protests indicate a broader dissent amongst Georgians who desire closer ties with Europe, contrary to the government’s recent strategic shifts amid increasing Russian influence in the region. Moving forward, the situation remains precarious as further protests and governmental responses could lead to more unrest or changes in policy regarding EU integration efforts. The actions taken by the Georgian government could have long-term ramifications for the country's trajectory in foreign relations and the internal political dynamic as they navigate pressure from both citizens and external actors advocating for continued ties with the West.