Georgia postpones European integration process until 2028: citizens react with large-scale rally
Georgia is suspending the negotiation process on joining the European Union until 2028. This was announced yesterday by the reappointed Prime Minister of the country Irakli Kobakhidze.
"Georgia refuses to negotiate on joining the EU until the end of 2028. The end of 2028 is the time when Georgia will be properly prepared from an economic point of view to begin negotiations," the head of the Cabinet explained.
This decision caused a flurry of protests in the capital. Yesterday evening, thousands of citizens outraged by the new policy spontaneously gathered not only at the central office of the Georgian Dream party, but also at the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue.
During the rally at the legislative body, 43 people were detained. In addition, security forces beat journalists and opposition members when dispersing the rally. Water cannons and tear gas were also used.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili joined the protest outside parliament, addressing the authorities: “Do you serve Russia or Georgia? Who did you swear an oath to? I want an answer. Are you not answering to the president? Are you not thinking about the future?”
Zurabishvili later wrote that “there is no shelter in Georgia: a church yard or a pharmacy – robocops are chasing protesters everywhere to beat and arrest them… Russian authorities, Russian methods.”
EU Ambassador to Georgia Pavel Gerchinsky called the authorities’ decision to suspend negotiations on the country’s accession to the European Union sad.
“We granted Georgia the status of a candidate country for EU membership, and what happened yesterday clearly contradicts the policy of the previous government, as well as the will of the overwhelming majority of Georgians. Of course, Georgia is an independent country. It is up to it to decide whether it wants to continue European integration. “From my point of view, this is very sad, very regrettable and offensive,” concluded Pavel Gerchinsky.
