Georgia, a nation once celebrated as a beacon of democratic progress in the post-Soviet space, now finds itself embroiled in political turmoil. On November 30, 2024, the ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension of European Union (EU) accession talks until 2028, a decision that has reignited widespread protests in the capital, Tbilisi. Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets, voicing their outrage over what they perceive as a betrayal of Georgia’s European aspirations. The protests, marked by clashes with riot police wielding tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons, have captured global attention, reflecting a deeper struggle over Georgia’s geopolitical identity and democratic future.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement came just weeks after parliamentary elections on October 26, which international observers condemned as fraudulent. The European Parliament rejected the election results, citing significant irregularities and calling for a re-run under international supervision. President Salome Zurabichvili, a pro-European figure, described the government’s move as a “war against its own people.” Protesters echoed this sentiment, chanting “Russian slaves” at police officers—a pointed critique of the government’s perceived alignment with Moscow. Zurabichvili further accused the authorities of targeting journalists and political leaders during the protests, deepening concerns about press freedom and democratic backsliding.

This decision to pause EU accession talks has shocked a population that overwhelmingly supports European integration, as polls consistently show that more than 80% of Georgians favour joining the EU. Kobakhidze’s justification—claiming interference and “blackmail” from certain EU politicians—has done little to assuage public anger, as the abrupt policy shift has left many questioning the sincerity of Georgian Dream’s earlier commitments to the EU. Ketevan Chachava, a fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, characterised the move as a “red flag,” warning that it signals the government’s willingness to abandon democratic norms in favour of consolidating power.

While the government portrays its actions as a stand against foreign pressure, its timing and methods have raised doubts. Kobakhidze’s decision came hours after the European Parliament’s resolution demanding a re-run of the October elections. Critics argue that the suspension of EU talks is not about principle but rather a strategic deflection from mounting international and domestic scrutiny. The crackdown on protesters, described by eyewitnesses as exceptionally brutal, underscores a growing authoritarian streak in Georgian Dream’s governance, further isolating the government both at home and abroad.

Georgia’s current crisis cannot be fully understood without examining its broader historical and geopolitical context. Since gaining independence in 1991, Georgia has navigated a precarious balance between East and West. Its aspirations for EU and NATO membership have been central to its post-Soviet identity, symbolising a rejection of Russian influence. In 2023, Georgia’s EU candidacy was granted—a moment of triumph for a nation that has long viewed European integration as synonymous with democratic progress. However, this trajectory has been undermined by Georgian Dream’s legislative measures, including the controversial “foreign agents” law passed earlier this year, which, modelled after Russian legislation, has been criticised for stifling civil society and echoing Kremlin tactics.

The October elections, framed as a referendum on Georgia’s alignment with Europe or Russia, further polarised the nation. Georgian Dream’s victory, which it claimed with 54% of the vote, was immediately challenged by opposition parties and international observers. The European Parliament deemed the elections neither free nor fair, a stark indictment of the government’s democratic record. Georgian Dream’s subsequent actions, including nominating a far-right figure with anti-Western views as the next president, have only deepened fears of a pivot toward Moscow.

The implications of this crisis extend beyond Georgia’s borders. While a Georgia disengaged from the EU risks becoming more susceptible to Russian influence, a scenario with profound regional consequences, the protests in Tbilisi, however, reveal a population unwilling to cede its European aspirations. This public defiance is a testament to Georgia’s vibrant civil society and its enduring commitment to democratic values.

To chart a path forward, the Georgian government must prioritise dialogue over repression. Reopening EU accession talks and committing to internationally supervised elections could restore some measure of trust. At the same time, the EU and its allies must remain steadfast in supporting Georgia’s democratic forces, providing both moral and material backing to civil society and independent institutions. The stakes are high, not only for Georgia’s democratic future but also for the broader struggle between authoritarianism and democracy in the region.