In Georgia, large-scale protests have erupted following the government's decision to abandon negotiations for EU membership.

In Georgia, large-scale protests began on the evening of Thursday, November 28, following the government's decision to abandon negotiations regarding the country's accession to the European Union.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing "Echo of the Caucasus."

Spontaneous demonstrations gathered near the central office of the ruling party "Georgian Dream" and the parliament building in Tbilisi. These protests were organized through social media.

During the rallies in Tbilisi, protesters blocked Rustaveli Avenue.

According to the participants, Georgia's refusal to negotiate EU membership until 2028 is seen as a betrayal of the country's interests. They also view this as a violation of Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia, which enshrines the commitment to European integration.

Protesters believe that such actions by the authorities jeopardize Georgia's future and undermine years of efforts to get closer to Europe.

What the President of Georgia Says

Salome Zourabichvili stated that she has already held emergency consultations with the diplomatic corps and the opposition.

"Today marked the end of a constitutional coup that has lasted several weeks or even months. It put an end to the movement from Europe to Russia. If anyone had any doubts, those doubts were dispelled today," she declared.

Zourabichvili believes that by rejecting Euro-integration, the "non-existent, illegitimate power has proclaimed not peace, but war - against its own people, its own past, and its own future."

"On this path, there is neither Georgian statehood, nor independence, nor a future without Russia," Zourabichvili emphasized.

She also pointed out that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin "expressed his satisfaction and praised the Georgian authorities for their submission" immediately after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's speech.

What Preceded the Protests

Earlier today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the Georgian government refuses to begin negotiations with the European Union until the end of 2028. The country also declined any budgetary assistance from the EU.

Recall that parliamentary elections were held in Georgia at the end of October. During the elections, violations and mass ballot stuffing were reported.

According to the CEC, the pro-Russian ruling party "Georgian Dream" received over 54% of the votes. Four opposition parties surpassed the 5% threshold and entered parliament, but they refused to acknowledge the election results. A protest took place in Tbilisi following the elections.

Furthermore, President Salome Zourabichvili and the opposition did not recognize the results. Protests against the announced election outcomes began in Tbilisi.