Protests, Sanctions, Resignations: Fallout from Georgia's EU Policy Shift

| News, Politics, Georgia
Photo credit: Hugh Bohane
Photo credit: Hugh Bohane

On December 2, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chairman of the Georgian Dream (GD) party, addressed his cabinet in response to letters from civil servants distancing themselves from GD's shift away from the EU. He described the situation as "self-cleansing" and criticized the reading comprehension of those opposing the party's direction.

During the meeting, Kobakhidze stated that the "self-cleansing process" would be completed and alleged that some political appointees were pressuring dissenting civil servants to resign. He remarked that the issue was "linked to the level of education" and expressed skepticism about the possibility of dialogue. Kobakhidze added, "With those who have problems comprehending what is written or said, we are ready to discuss and explain, but there is little hope of that." While acknowledging that "some sincere people" exist among the dissenters, he criticized "liberal fascism and violence" as barriers to "healthy discussion."

On the same day, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia imposed travel bans on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the patron of Georgian Dream, along with several senior officials from Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze, and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced these measures, citing concerns over the Georgian government’s recent actions.

Also on December 2, Matthew Miller, US State Department Spokesperson, expressed concern over Georgia’s departure from the EU integration path and reiterated US support for the Georgian people. Speaking to correspondent Alex Raufoglu, Miller stated, "We are concerned with the steps that they have taken to move away from the path towards greater integration with Europe that they have been on and that we know the Georgian people support." He noted that the US had already imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Georgian officials and suspended $95 million in funding while not ruling out additional measures.

On December 3, 60 employees of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, including TV presenters Nino Zautashvili and Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, signed a document condemning the government’s violent crackdown on protesters and the decision to delay the EU membership process until 2028. The statement accused the GD party of violating Georgia’s constitutional commitment to European integration, citing Article 17, which mandates the broadcaster’s independence.

The signatories criticized the Public Broadcaster for failing to fulfill its legal obligations and for biased coverage, calling for impartial reporting and public discussion. They condemned police violence against civilians and affirmed their support for demonstrators, stating, "We stand with the demonstrators and believe it’s our civic duty to protect the constitution."

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