Georgia is faces political turmoil following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to suspend EU membership talks until 2028. Opposition leaders have harshly criticized the decision, calling it “worse than Yanukovych,” a reference to the former pro-Russian Ukrainian president ousted during the 2014 Revolution of Dignity.
“This is 100 times worse than Yanukovych. The Georgian junta, led by Kobakhidze, has openly and unilaterally renounced the path to the EU and NATO,” declared Nika Gvaramia, a prominent opposition leader.
Opposition figures like Mamuka Khazaradze accuse the government of isolating the country and blocking its European aspirations. Khazaradze emphasized that EU integration is enshrined in the Georgian constitution and reflects the will of the people.
Tinatin Bokuchava, leader of the United National Movement, labeled the ruling Georgian Dream party as a “Russian nightmare,” accusing them of sabotaging the country’s European future in response to EU scrutiny over alleged political repression.
Protests have been planned for Thursday evening, with citizens rallying against the government’s decision. Meanwhile, pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili has called an emergency meeting with diplomats and is expected to release a statement on the crisis.