Tag: Georgian Dream

Mikheil Kavelashvili reacts after he was elected the country's new president in the parliament, in Tbilisi, Georgia December 14, 2024.
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Georgia lawmakers have elected a strong opponent of Western policies as their new president

Georgian lawmakers appointed Mikheil Kavelashvili, a staunch critic of the West, as the new president on Saturday, positioning him to succeed a pro-Western leader amid significant protests against the government following the suspension of the country’s European Union accession talks last month. The ruling Georgian Dream party‘s decision to pause the EU accession process until 2028 has sparked considerable outrage in Georgia, as this move … Continue reading Georgia lawmakers have elected a strong opponent of Western policies as their new president

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What factors are contributing to the violence occurring on the streets of Georgia?

Since November 28, Georgia has experienced significant protests in response to the government’s announcement to suspend negotiations for EU membership until 2028. Despite police efforts to cordon off Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, demonstrators have persisted, constructing barricades, igniting fires, and launching fireworks at law enforcement officials. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has asserted that Georgia will not permit itself to be “Ukrainized,” as his Western-aligned adversaries … Continue reading What factors are contributing to the violence occurring on the streets of Georgia?

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EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas
DIPLOMACY

EU is considering sanctions in response to Georgia pausing its accession talks

Newly appointed EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has indicated that sanctions are among several “options” under consideration by the bloc following Georgia‘s decision to suspend its accession talks with Brussels and its crackdown on pro-EU demonstrations. Protests have erupted in Tbilisi since Thursday, when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of EU accession discussions until 2028, citing what he described as Brussels’ “constant … Continue reading EU is considering sanctions in response to Georgia pausing its accession talks

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Supporters of Georgia's opposition attend a rally to protest after the government halted the EU application process until 2028, in Tbilisi, Georgia.
DIPLOMACY

EU envoy describes Georgia’s suspension of EU negotiations as ‘heartbreaking’ and denounces police brutality

The European Union‘s ambassador to Georgia expressed deep disappointment on Friday regarding Tbilisi’s decision to effectively pause its EU accession efforts until 2028, labeling the move as “heartbreaking.” He also criticized the police’s use of force against demonstrators at a pro-EU rally held on Thursday. Law enforcement employed water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas against young protesters who were outraged by the ruling Georgian … Continue reading EU envoy describes Georgia’s suspension of EU negotiations as ‘heartbreaking’ and denounces police brutality

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Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze addresses the "Summit of the Future" in the General Assembly hall at United Nations headquarters in New York City.
DIPLOMACY

Georgia will not engage in EU membership discussions until 2028, rejecting Brussels’ overtures

Georgia announced on Thursday that it would halt discussions regarding European Union membership until 2028 and would also decline budgetary grants from Brussels, citing what it described as a “cascade of insults” from the bloc. In its statement, the Georgian Dream governing coalition accused the EU of using the potential for accession talks as a means to “blackmail” Georgia and to “instigate a revolution” within … Continue reading Georgia will not engage in EU membership discussions until 2028, rejecting Brussels’ overtures

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Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze addresses the "Summit of the Future" in the General Assembly hall at United Nations headquarters in New York City.
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US withdraws Georgian PM’s invitation to Biden’s UN reception

The United States has rescinded an invitation extended to Georgia’s prime minister for a reception with world leaders hosted by President Joe Biden during this week’s U.N. General Assembly, according to a U.S. official. This decision marks a significant downturn in a previously strong relationship. The official informed Reuters that the invitation to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has been withdrawn, and all meetings with the … Continue reading US withdraws Georgian PM’s invitation to Biden’s UN reception

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