Pro-EU protests in Georgia demand new parliamentary elections

TBILISI, GEORGIA - DEC. 12: Protests against the Georgian government's decision to suspend European Union (EU) membership talks for four years have entered their second week in Tbilisi, with demonstrators calling for new parliamentary elections. The demonstrations began after the Georgian government announced it would postpone EU accession talks until the end of 2028. The protests, now in their 14th day, have attracted thousands of participants who continue to voice their opposition to the decision. Gathering outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, protesters are demanding the release of those detained during the first week of demonstrations and have blocked Shota Rustaveli Avenue, waving Georgian and EU flags alongside anti-government banners. Some demonstrators have also rejected the results of the 26 October parliamentary elections and called for a re-run. Civil servants have joined the rallies, which have spread to other cities, including Batumi. Although the protests have dispersed late at night, they continue each day with renewed enthusiasm. French President Emmanuel Macron recently spoke with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary leader of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, to discuss the ongoing protests and tensions. Macron expressed regret at the situation and offered to help defuse the crisis, according to a statement from the party. The European Parliament had earlier called for a re-run of the 26 October parliamentary elections, prompting opposition groups and pro-EU activists to take to the streets. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on 28 November that his government would suspend EU membership talks because of interference by European politicians and alleged financial pressure. Despite this, Kobakhidze reiterated that Georgia remains committed to joining the EU by 2030. (Footage by Davit Kachkachishvili/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)