Georgia protesters clash with police after PM suspends EU membership talks
Guardian18 hrs
Georgia: Protesters Clash with Police After Govt. Suspends EU Membership Talks
Above: Security forces use water cannons to disperse protesters during a demonstration against the government's decision to delay EU membership talks, near the Parliament building in downtown Tbilisi on Nov. 29, 2024. Image copyright: Giorgi Arjevanidze/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Protesters clashed with police in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, in the early hours of Friday after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government was delaying European Union (EU) accession talks until 2028.
Police used water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas to disperse protesters as masked individuals attempted to force their way into parliament, throwing fireworks at officers. According to the interior ministry, at least 43 protesters were detained and three police officers were injured.
The Spin
Narrative A
The EU stands with the freedom-loving people of Georgia. The election on Oct. 26 was characterized by irregularities, and Georgia's ruling party is responsible for the manipulation of the results and for the overall deterioration of democracy in the country. Re-elections in Georgia must take place with urgency and sanctions on the country's corrupt leadership must be imposed.
Narrative B
The elections were free and fair. Georgia is a sovereign and independent nation that will not allow outside involvement in its internal affairs, even from the EU. The government remains dedicated to accomplishing the aim of joining the EU while strongly opposing any European meddling in Georgian domestic politics. Furthermore, the opposition must refrain from any attempts to destabilize the country.