On November 28, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the Georgian Dream government would not push for the opening of negotiations on Georgia’s accession to the European Union until the end of 2028. In his speech, Kobakhidze claimed that European politicians were using grants and loans allocated to the state as leverage against Georgia. He further declared that the Georgian Dream administration would decline all budgetary grants from the EU until 2028.
Prior to the Prime Minister’s statement, the Georgian Dream party unilaterally approved the new composition of the government with 84 votes in favor and none against. Opposition parties, which had crossed the 5% threshold in the October 26 elections, refused to enter parliament. Additionally, Georgia’s current president, Salome Zourabichvili, has not recognized the election results.
Some of Georgia’s international partners also consider the elections illegitimate. On November 30, the European Parliament released a statement urging Georgian Dream to hold new elections.
The initial wave of protests in Georgia was sparked by the parliamentary election results. These demonstrations intensified following the government’s decision to halt negotiations with the EU and spread beyond the capital to regional areas. The decision, along with the violent suppression of protests, triggered swift international criticism.
We offer a summary of significant statements made by the international community since the protests began:
Michael Roth, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of German Bundestag
“It’s happening exactly as we feared: isolation instead of Europe. Oppression instead of freedom. Authoritarianism instead of democracy. The ruling party is destroying Georgia’s future in the very heart of Europe.”
“In Georgia, a regime is waging war against its own people. But freedom will prevail. And Europe must finally wake up. We must stand by committed Europeans! In our common values are at risk.”
How about if one of you finally gets on a plane and flies to Tbilisi, dear @vonderleyen, @kajakallas, @MartaKosEU, Antonio Costa @EUCouncil?
The people there are not demonstrating for more days off or higher pensions but for our European values. Have you already forgotten?
🇬🇪🇪🇺— Michael Roth – official 🇪🇺🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪 (@MiRo_SPD) December 10, 2024
Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania
“People of Georgia, You are Georgian and therefore you are European. No one can take that away from you. The journey is long and difficult, but we know you won’t give up, so we won’t give up either.”
When protestors were brutally beaten in Belarus, there was a European embargo on exports of equipment used for committing the abuses. We can, and should, do the same for Georgia, as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/iv6YxBBgqW
— Gabrielius Landsbergis🇱🇹 (@GLandsbergis) December 7, 2024
Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia
“Georgia has European dream and European future. Latvia has always supported democratic Georgia’s European path, always will. My full solidarity with the people of Georgia and President Salome Zourabichvili. The right for peaceful demonstrations and protest must be fully respected.”
Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia
The three Baltic States jointly agreed to impose national sanctions against those who suppressed legitimate protests in Georgia. Opponents of democracy & violators of human rights are not welcome in our countries.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark
“Denmark is appalled by reports of the excessive use of violence against pro-European protesters & journalists in Georgia. Denmark stands firmly with the Georgian people. Their democratic & fundamental rights have to be respected.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland
“The MFA is disappointed with the decision of Georgia’s authorities to suspend talks with the on opening accession negotiations. remains committed to supporting society’s pro-European aspirations and calls on authorities to avoid violence against peaceful protests.”
Helsinki Commission
The Georgian people have taken to the streets to peacefully protest for their sovereignty, democracy, and European future, only to be met with violence and repression. They refuse to become a Russian colony.
Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development
“The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has so far supported Georgia’s European path. With this Georgian government, this cooperation can no longer be implemented in a meaningful way. In the future, the commitment can only continue, if at all, where it strengthens the country’s European ties.”
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
“We regret the Georgian leadership’s shift away from the EU and its values. The EU stands with the people of Georgia and their choice for a European future. The door to the EU remains open. The return of Georgia on the EU path is in the hands of the Georgian leadership.”
Matthew Miller Spokesperson for the United States Department of State
“The U.S. strongly condemns Georgian Dream’s brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens. We will use the tools at our disposal to promote accountability for those who seek to undermine Georgia’s democracy.”
Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend EU accession is a betrayal of the Georgian constitution. We condemn excessive force used against Georgians exercising their freedom to protest and have suspended our Strategic Partnership with Georgia.
Joe Wilson, The U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman
“The U.S. government must respond to punish those involved in perpetrating violence and brutality against innocent Georgians immediately. If we do not act now, Georgian Dream will continue escalating their campaign of violence and brutality to levels we have not seen in the country in decades.”
The Department of State should begin by announcing personal sanctions against the mayor of Tbilisi, the Minister of the Interior, and all other officials responsible for orchestrating this crackdown. I call on our European allies to do the same.
The illegitimate puppet government of Georgia continues to brutally crack down on Georgians. I urge immediate sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream cronies. We cannot stand by and allow Georgia to fall into dictatorship against the people’s will. #MEGOBARI
— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) December 9, 2024
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
“I have just signed a decree that gives effect to the National Security and Defense Council’s decision on sanctions. These sanctions target the part of the Georgian government that is surrendering Georgia to Putin. This is the very issue that is fueling the protests in Georgia right now. It is crucial that our partners also voice their position now, openly declaring what is happening. And action must be taken.
This is how it works in international affairs: if you do not respond in time or fail to respond with principle, then decades are lost, and countries are robbed of their freedom. We must not lose anyone in this region – neither Georgia, nor Moldova, nor Ukraine. It is crucial that our partners also voice their position now, openly declaring what is happening. And action must be taken.“
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his accomplices – 19 individuals. They are the ones who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people. And we call on Europe, America and everyone in the world to do the same – to act with principle.
Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
“The United States has been a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our commitment to the brave people of Georgia and their Euro-Atlantic aspirations is ironclad. The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, and opposition figures.
The United States stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations. Those who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georgia – including those who suppress Georgian citizens’ right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression – will be held to account. In addition to continuing our previously announced comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation, the United States is now preparing to use the tools at our disposal, including additional sanctions.”
Anitta Hipper, Lead Spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
🇬🇪 Georgia: Alarming reports of arbitrary detention, violence and ill-treatment against protesters.
We urge authorities to stop using excessive force and ensure freedom of assembly. All acts of violence must be investigated immediately.
— Anitta Hipper (@ExtSpoxEU) December 4, 2024
“For nearly two weeks, the Georgian people have been standing up for their democratic and European aspirations, facing brutal, unlawful force from the police while exercising their right to freedom of expression. Arbitrary detentions of protesters and opposition leaders persist, with media representatives specifically targeted by law enforcement authorities and informal violent groups.
For nearly two weeks, the Georgian people have been standing up for their democratic and European aspirations, facing brutal, unlawful force from the police while exercising their right to freedom of expression. Arbitrary detentions of protesters and opposition leaders persist, with media representatives specifically targeted by law enforcement authorities and informal violent groups.
For nearly two weeks, the Georgian people have been standing up for their democratic and European aspirations, facing brutal, unlawful force from the police while exercising their right to freedom of expression. Arbitrary detentions of protesters and opposition leaders persist, with media representatives specifically targeted by law enforcement authorities and informal violent groups.
All allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be credibly investigated. We encourage local and international organisations and the Public Defender to continue documenting the widespread violations of human rights in Georgia.
We urge Georgian Dream to de-escalate and put an end to this environment that comes with severe costs for the Georgian people. Violence is not the answer to the protesters’ demands for Georgia’s democratic and European future.
We recall that it was Georgian Dream’s course of action that led to the de facto halt of the EU accession process. The persistent democratic backslide and the recent repressive means used by Georgian authorities have consequences for our bilateral relations. The EU will consider additional measures at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 16 December.
The EU stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic and European aspirations”.
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
“The Parliamentary Assembly, meeting today in Luxembourg as the Standing Committee, expresses its concern about the situation in Georgia, where the government has announced the suspension of accession negotiations with the European Union, contrary to electoral promises. This decision may have a significant impact on the implementation of reforms that are essential for the strengthening of the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia.”
The Assembly strongly condemns the brutal repression of the peaceful demonstrations that took place in Tbilisi to protest against this decision, as a violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
António Costa, President of the European Council
“We condemn the violence against peaceful protestors. Actions of government run counter to the will of the people. The EU stands with the people of Georgia.”
Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
The violence against protesters, journalists and the arrest of politicians in Georgia is unacceptable. That is why the Netherlands will call on the EU to suspend agreements with Georgia on visa-free travel. It is good that the Baltic states have already imposed individual entry bans.
PEN Ukraine
“We, Ukrainian writers, translators, journalists, human rights activists, scientists, publishers, artists, express solidarity with our Georgian colleagues and all of Georgian society in their struggle for freedom and our European future.
We admire the courage of the Georgian people, who are protesting against the authorities’ decision to suspend the country’s European integration process, as well as against the establishment of a pro-Russian dictatorship in the country. At the same time, we read with pain and anxiety the news about colleagues who have been harassed or arrested.
Historical events cannot be compared, the history of each struggle for its independence is unique. But it is important for us to say these days that, having gone through the path of Ukrainian revolutions and now fighting for our future during the Russian genocidal war against our people, we understand and support your struggle and believe that Georgia, dear to all of us, will be freed from the Russian hydra, which brings death and tyranny to all continents of the world.
We greatly appreciate that our Georgian brothers and sisters are fighting for our freedom side by side with the Ukrainian military, and we know that today our peoples are jointly defending European values and fighting for their right to the European and democratic path of their countries.
Recall that on November 26, 2024, the Georgian Dream party, which was previously known for its pro-Russian bills and rhetoric , “won” the parliamentary elections . During the observation of the election process, the OSCE/ODIHR international mission recorded numerous violations. The European Parliament also did not recognize the results of the Georgian elections and called for a re-vote.
Two days after the election results were announced, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia’s agreements with the European Union were suspended until 2028. This decision sparked public outrage, which escalated into mass demonstrations in the capital and the country’s largest cities.
Security forces have violently responded to a peaceful protest in Tbilisi, using beatings and tear gas, rubber bullets, and gas canisters. At the same time, authorities have begun mass arrests of peaceful protesters.
Currently, 320 citizens are known to have been arrested and have also been severely beaten. Among them, in particular, are poets Zviad Ratiani and Tornike Chelidze, and translator Dato Kharaishvili .
On December 2, Zviad Ratiani was sentenced to 8 days of administrative detention. The day before, doctors had diagnosed a fractured fifth molar, a fractured nasal bone and septum, hematomas and bruises of varying severity on the poet’s head and body. Tornike Chelidze was also sentenced to 7 days in prison after a brutal beating. Dato Kharaishvili is in hospital with a concussion, multiple bruises, and fractures of the orbital and nasal bones.
Security forces are also obstructing the work of Georgian media, subjecting journalists to beatings and arrests. According to Mapping Media Freedom , from November 28 to December 2, 59 cases of violence against media representatives covering the protests were recorded.
The exact number of injured and detained is currently unknown.
We express our full solidarity with the Georgian people in their courageous struggle for their freedom and call on the governments of other countries and the United Nations Human Rights Council and other international human rights and humanitarian organizations to condemn Russian aggression in Georgia, to seek fair and transparent elections in compliance with the Constitution and laws of Georgia, to release all detainees, and to bring to justice those responsible for the repressions against the Georgian people.
Dear friends, we stand with you and believe in our common victory. Long live free Sakartvelo!”
David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary
“The shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists by the Georgian authorities are unacceptable and must stop.
These actions tarnish Georgia’s international standing and fly in the face of Georgia’s constitutional commitment to a European future.
In light of ongoing events, the UK will immediately suspend all programme support to the Georgian government, restrict defence cooperation, and limit engagement with representatives of Georgian Dream government until there is a halt to this move away from European democratic norms and freedoms.
The UK will continue to stand by the people of Georgia in supporting their right to choose their country’s future.”
European Commission
For Georgia, taking into account recent developments in the country, there are ongoing reflections on the possible activation of the visa suspension mechanism in relation to certain categories of persons. The Commission considers that, in order to avoid such activation and continue fulfilling all visa liberalisation benchmarks, the country needs to take further urgent action to address the Commission’s recommendations, particularly in the area of the protection of fundamental rights.
Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic
I have just spoken with the Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili. The violence against protesters, journalists, and representatives of the political opposition in Tbilisi and other cities is unacceptable. I admire the courage of the Georgian people, who refuse to give up their… pic.twitter.com/lAPm1DINrH
— Petr Pavel (@prezidentpavel) December 10, 2024
Information will be updated…
