Georgia: Protesters block key Tbilisi avenue in response to suspension of EU membership talks

Protesters blocked Rustaveli Avenue outside Georgia's Parliament building on December 19, marking the 21st day of opposition-led demonstrations against the government’s decision to suspend European Union membership talks.

Athletes and medical professionals joined the rally, converging in front of Parliament after marching from various locations across the Georgian capital, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Demonstrators include writers, publishers, book designers, and other creative professionals protesting the stalled negotiations. On December 15, creative youth and fans of Spanish football clubs also joined rallies in Tbilisi, which were monitored by police.

Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with earlier protests demanding proof of academic qualifications from presidential candidate Mikheil Kavelashvili. Kavelashvili ultimately won the election, further fuelling opposition anger.

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said the EU is considering personal sanctions against Georgian politicians. Proposed measures include revoking visa-free travel privileges, though no consensus has been reached.

Note that, protests erupted in Georgia on November 28, with daily rallies held outside the parliament building. The first week of demonstrations was marked by heightened tensions, as some protesters used fireworks against law enforcement, while police responded with water cannons and tear gas.

The clashes, which continued into the night, eventually saw special forces clearing protesters from Rustaveli Avenue. In recent days, however, the protests have become peaceful, and police presence near the gatherings has decreased.

The protests were triggered by a statement from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who announced that the ruling party, Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia, had decided to suspend discussions on European Union accession and reject all EU budget grants until at least 2028.

Kobakhidze cited persistent EU pressure, including blackmail over the start of EU accession talks, demands to repeal certain laws passed by parliament, and calls for sanctions against the Georgian authorities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev