Police and anti-government demonstrators clashed violently in Tbilisi after Georgia's ruling party, which has been accused of being "pro-Russian," suspended negotiations for European Union (EU) membership until 2028.
On Thursday, European lawmakers issued a resolution urging Georgia to hold new elections under international supervision, fearing for their legitimacy.
The announcement fueled accusations of democratic backsliding and growing Russian influence in the South Caucasus nation.
Police detained 43 people, according to The Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Russian independent news outlet Medusa reported that the authorities used water cannon to disperse protesters. Pepper spray and tear gas were also used, according to reports.
Public Backlash Against 'Russian Influence'
The protests became chaotic late Thursday, with demonstrators attempting to storm the Parliament building.
Irakli Kobakhidze, leader of the Georgian Dream party and Prime Minister since February, defended pausing the nation's EU membership by framing the delay as a rejection of "blackmail" by EU officials.
Under his leadership, the ruling Georgian Dream party has faced accusations of aligning with Vladimir Putin's interests.
The European Parliament's recent condemnation of Georgia's Oct. 26 parliamentary elections cite instances of bribery, double voting, and physical violence against members of the opposition.
President Criticizes Georgian Dream's Governance
President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of the ruling party, condemned the crackdown, calling it a "war" against the Georgian people.
She said the decision to suspend EU membership marked the "conclusion of the constitutional coup which has been unfolding for several weeks."
"Do you serve Russia or Georgia?" Zourabichvili asked riot police at the scene.
The president holds a largely ceremonial role, but has positioned herself as a defender of Georgia's EU ambitions. Last month she labeled the nation's election results a "total falsification" influenced by Russian operations.
Accusations of EU 'Blackmail'
EU integration remains a divisive but significant political aim in Georgia.
Opinion polls show that roughly 80 percent of Georgians support EU membership.
The EU had granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023, contingent on meeting democratic reforms. However, the accession process was suspended earlier this year after Georgian lawmakers passed a "foreign influence" law, requiring organizations receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as "pursuing the interest of a foreign power."
Critics compared the law to Russian legislation used to suppress dissent.
Kobakhidze dismissed the European Parliament's resolution as a "cascade of insults" and announced that Georgia would reject EU budgetary grants until 2028.
"We will continue on our path toward the European Union; however, we will not allow anyone to keep us in a constant state of blackmail and manipulation," he said.
LGBTQ+ Rights and Civil Freedoms Under Threat
European election observers reported significant irregularities during the October vote, widely seen as a referendum on EU membership.
Georgian Dream, founded in 2012 by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, rose to prominence as an alternative to the United National Movement, Georgia's dominant pro-Western party at the time.
Despite initially positioning itself as a pro-EU and NATO party, it has faced growing criticism for consolidating power, undermining democratic institutions, and allegedly aligning with Moscow's interests.
Recent legislation has mirrored Kremlin-style restrictions on free speech and LGBTQ+ rights, further straining relations with the EU.
What Does the Future Hold for Georgia?
The European Parliament's resolution called for sanctions against Georgian officials and a reevaluation of formal ties. Officials from the EU will likely continue monitoring Georgia's progress on democratic reforms, human rights, and anti-corruption measures.
Without substantial improvements, Georgia risks further distancing itself from EU candidate status.
Opposition leaders argue that Kobakhidze's policies risk derailing decades of progress toward European integration.
"We must clearly show certain European politicians and bureaucrats, who are completely devoid of European values, that they must speak to Georgia with dignity, not through blackmail and insults." Kobakhidze said in his defense.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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