Protests Continue in Tbilisi for Fifth Day Over EU Membership Delay
Mass protests are ongoing in Tbilisi and other major cities in Georgia, triggered by the government's decision to postpone negotiations for European Union membership until 2028.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets, with police deploying tear gas against participants. The protests are not limited to the capital but have also spread to Batumi, Kobuleti, Ozurgeti, and other cities across the country.
According to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, 224 people were detained in Tbilisi during the first four days of protests.
The BBC reports that police have cleared demonstrators from the area near the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue and surrounding streets. However, protesters remain concentrated in the city center. Riot police have periodically used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, while demonstrators have responded with fireworks.
Despite being pushed back, protesters are maintaining their presence at a considerable distance from the security forces, showing no signs of dispersing.
At a press conference, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reaffirmed the country’s commitment to EU integration, stating:
“I want to assure everyone that European integration is not being abandoned; it will continue with maximum effort.”
Kobakhidze, however, dismissed the possibility of dialogue with opposition representatives.
