Mass Protests Erupt in Georgia Over EU Membership Suspension

Demonstrations intensify following Georgian Dream's decision to delay EU accession talks, fueling concerns over democratic backsliding and closer ties to Russia.

Protests have swept Georgia after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a suspension of EU membership negotiations until 2028, citing rejected parliamentary election results.
Demonstrators, including civil servants and educators, oppose the government's perceived shift toward authoritarianism and alignment with Russia, demanding new elections under international supervision.
The Georgian government has faced criticism for enacting controversial laws curbing LGBTQ rights and targeting NGOs and independent media, echoing Russian-style governance.
Riot police have used tear gas and water cannons on protesters, with reports of detainees facing violence and mistreatment by law enforcement officers.
The EU and U.S. have condemned Georgia's democratic backsliding, urging the government to resume its European integration path, while Russia denies interference but draws parallels to Ukraine's Maidan protests.