Georgia Faces Political Crisis as Protests Intensify Over EU Integration Halt

Protesters demand government accountability after alleged election fraud and suspension of EU accession, with fears of escalating violence ahead of presidential inauguration.

Mass protests have erupted across Georgia following the government's decision to suspend EU integration until 2028, a move seen as aligning closer to Russia.
The protests were sparked by allegations of widespread fraud during October's parliamentary elections, which opposition leaders and international observers have criticized as illegitimate.
President Salome Zourabichvili, once aligned with the ruling Georgian Dream party, now opposes the government and supports the protesters, refusing to step down until new elections are held.
The ruling party plans to inaugurate a new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, on December 29 despite boycotts and accusations of constitutional violations by opposition groups.
The situation has drawn international concern, with calls for Western nations to respond decisively to prevent further violence and Russian influence in the region.