Georgia marks 18th day of pro-EU protests

By Davit Kachkachisvhili

TBILISI, Georgia (AA) – Georgia marked its 18th day of protests Sunday against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision last month to suspend negotiations on the country's bid to join the European Union, citing “blackmail and manipulation” from the bloc’s politicians.

Demonstrators gathered in the capital Tbilisi to decry the decision.

Representatives of various sectors of society marched through the streets of the city throughout the day, demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of those detained in similar protests.

The demonstrators regrouped in the evening in front of the parliament building and blocked Shota Rustaveli Street.

They carried Georgian, EU and Ukrainian flags and banners with anti-government slogans.

On Nov. 28, Kobakhidze announced that in response to European political interference and alleged extortion with EU funds, Georgia would suspend its EU accession talks until 2028, although it would continue working toward EU membership by 2030.​​​​​​​

The decision sparked outrage, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets of Tbilisi.

*Writing by Efe Ozkan