Georgia has halted its talks to join the European Union until 2028, citing "blackmail and manipulation" from EU politicians.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement on Thursday has ignited nationwide protests from citizens who accuse the government of aligning with Moscow.
The move follows Georgia's contentious Oct. 26 parliamentary elections, which the ruling Georgian Dream party claims to have won decisively. Opposition groups, however, allege widespread fraud, citing Russian interference aimed at keeping Georgia out of the EU's orbit.
Thousands have since taken to the streets, denouncing an assault on democracy.
Prime Minister Cites EU 'Blackmail'
European election observers documented irregularities during the election, including bribery, double voting, and incidents of violence.
The European Parliament condemned the election results as "neither free nor fair" and blamed the ruling party for Georgia's continued democratic backsliding.
In a resolution, lawmakers called for a rerun under international oversight and urged the EU to impose sanctions and limit formal engagement with Georgia's government.
Kobakhidze defended his decision, accusing the EU of disrespecting Georgia's sovereignty.
"The ill-wishers of our country have turned the European Parliament into a blunt weapon of blackmail against Georgia, which is a great disgrace for the European Union," he said.
He also announced Georgia would reject all EU financial assistance until 2028.
'Our Society Chose Traditional Values'
While Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia's commitment to eventual EU membership, he framed the election as a referendum on national identity.
Speaking in parliament, he stated last month's parliamentary vote was "also a referendum between immoral propaganda and traditional values, and our society chose traditional values."
Critics argue that Georgia's government is moving closer to Moscow, abandoning the democratic reforms required for EU accession.
Georgian Dream, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has faced accusations of authoritarianism and pushing through laws resembling those used in Russia to restrict freedoms.
In June, the EU indefinitely suspended Georgia's membership application process following the passage of a "foreign influence" law widely seen as a tool to suppress dissent.
Demonstrators Demand Democratic Reform
President Salome Zourabichvili, whose term ends next month, rejected the election results and condemned the suspension of EU talks as a betrayal of Georgia's future.
"Because on this path, there is no Georgian statehood, no independence, and no future—except in Russia," she said in a televised address. Zourabichvili described the government's actions as a "coup" designed to pull Georgia away from Europe.
Protesters have gathered en masse outside parliament in the capital Tbilisi and other cities.
Adding to the political turmoil, Georgian Dream nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, an ultranationalist known for his anti-Western views, as its presidential candidate.
His nomination is expected to succeed due to the ruling party's dominance over the electoral college.
Georgia's decision to freeze EU talks has left its democratic trajectory in question.
"We will continue on our path toward the European Union," Kobakhidze said, "however, we will not allow anyone to keep us in a constant state of blackmail and manipulation."
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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