Georgian President: The Entire Country Has Revolted

The President of Georgia has criticized the treatment of protesters and the temporary detention of the country's opposition leader, warning that a "revolt" has engulfed the entire nation. Salome Zourabichvili's warning comes as reports indicate that angry citizens have continued protests for the fourth consecutive night against the government's decision to delay negotiations for EU membership. Journalists from Radio Free Europe report that police have beaten and detained several protesters after dispersing them. The report adds that police used water cannons to prevent protesters from gathering near Parliament, and in another crackdown that began around 2 a.m. on Monday, they resorted to tear gas and chemical spray, detaining more individuals. Reports indicate that at least 200 people have been arrested during the protests, which continued until the evening of December 3. In an interview with France Inter, Zourabichvili stated, "This is a revolt across the country." She further announced that the recent parliamentary elections were accompanied by "violations and ballot theft" and that no one recognizes them. The President of Georgia emphasized, "We are facing a regime that is outside the constitutional framework, and my mission continues until a president is elected legally." Her remarks were a response to a request from Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia and leader of the ruling party "Georgian Dream," who had asked Zourabichvili to resign by the end of the month and the conclusion of her presidential term. Zourabichvili stated, "There is no legitimate parliament, and therefore, an illegitimate assembly cannot elect a new president." The ruling party "Georgian Dream" announced last month that it received 54% of the votes in the parliamentary elections and has won again; government opponents have reported widespread violations and "Russian influence" in these elections, and both the United States and the European Union have stated that they do not recognize the announced results. The majority of Georgians support EU membership, and the government's mission under the constitution should be to strive for joining this union; however, the ruling party recently announced that it would suspend negotiations for EU membership until 2028. The population of Georgia is about 3.7 million, and according to polls, over 80% of its citizens want to join the EU. Georgia's application for EU membership was submitted in December 2023 and has recently been suspended; however, relations between the two sides have soured in recent months following the passage of the controversial "foreign agent" law in Georgia. This law, similar to a Russian law, has been criticized as being aimed at threatening the media and civil society. The United States announced about five months ago that it would halt over $95 million in aid to Georgia, warning that the country is regressing from democracy.