Tensions in Tbilisi continue to rise following the Georgian government’s controversial decision to freeze EU accession talks until 2028 and reject EU budgetary grants during that period. The protests, now in their third consecutive night on Rustaveli Avenue, have led to violent clashes between demonstrators and police, with journalists also caught in the crackdown. Protesters see the decision as a betrayal of Georgia’s European aspirations and fear it signals a shift toward Russian influence.

Over the previous two nights of protests, police detained approximately 150 people, many of whom allege they were subjected to violence during the arrests. Among those injured and detained were several journalists covering the events.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has yet to release information on those detained during the night of November 30 to December 1. However, the ministry reported that 42 police officers were injured during clashes with protesters, who allegedly used pyrotechnics against law enforcement.

Zourabichvili Vows to Remain in Office Until Elections Under Legitimate Government

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili declared that, in the context of an illegitimate government and parliament, she would remain in office and continue to serve as head of state until new presidential elections are held under a legitimately elected parliament and government. She emphasized the need for maintaining institutional stability and suggested that Georgia might require the formation of a "technical government" to navigate through the political crisis.

U.S. Suspends Strategic Partnership with Georgia

The United States has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia in response to the government’s recent actions. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, announced the decision in a post on the social media platform X:

"The U.S. and EU regret Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend the EU integration process. We condemn the excessive use of force against Georgians who are rightfully protesting this betrayal of their Constitution—EU membership is a safeguard against the Kremlin. As a result, we have suspended our strategic partnership with Georgia."

The post was removed approximately 30 minutes after publication and later reappeared with slight modifications:
“Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend EU accession talks is a betrayal of Georgia’s Constitution. We condemn the excessive force used against Georgians exercising their right to protest and have suspended our strategic partnership with Georgia.”