Georgian businesses, diplomats, universities launch strikes after crackdown on pro-EU protesters

After yesterday’s announcement by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze that the country would suspend negotiations on EU membership until 2028, significant protests erupted across various cities in the country.

The protests come amid Georgia’s pivot toward Russia, reversing the small Caucasian country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations since 2008. Critics argue that the ruling Georgian Dream party has increasingly aligned itself with Moscow, undermining Georgia’s long-standing aspirations for EU membership and Western democratic values. 

While protests have been ongoing in the country since 26 October, when the pro-Russian Georgian Dream claimed victory in a disputed election marred by accusations of vote rigging, they have stayed largely peaceful until the night of 28 November. Then, riot police cracked down on protesters against the abandonment of EU talks in the capital, Tbilisi. Dozens were beaten and detained by special forces; the exact number remains unknown.

Protests are resuming in the Georgian capital and other cities. 

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