The United States has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, citing the Georgian Dream party’s controversial decision to freeze European Union accession talks until 2028. This dramatic turn of events has plunged the South Caucasus nation into political chaos, marked by protests, escalating violence, and a deepening rift between its pro-Western factions and the ruling government.

On December 01, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced the suspension of the strategic partnership, condemning Georgia’s ruling party for what he described as a betrayal of the country’s democratic commitments. “Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend EU accession is a betrayal of the Georgian constitution,” Miller posted on X (formerly Twitter). He also criticized the government’s heavy-handed response to protests, which has included the use of water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators.

The suspension is a stark reminder of Georgia’s fraught path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Long regarded as a key ally in the region, Georgia’s recent moves have alienated both the United States and the European Union, raising questions about the nation’s geopolitical trajectory.

The controversy erupted on November 28, when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that EU accession would not be prioritized until 2028. Kobakhidze accused the EU of exploiting the negotiations as a tool for “blackmail” and political interference, a claim that underscores growing tensions between Tbilisi and Brussels.

“Georgia wants to join the EU under fair conditions,” Kobakhidze stated, suggesting that external pressures were compromising the nation’s sovereignty. His remarks sparked immediate backlash, both domestically and internationally.

The announcement triggered mass protests in major Georgian cities, with the capital, Tbilisi, becoming the epicenter of unrest. Demonstrators, many waving EU flags, called for the government to reverse its decision and prioritize the country’s European aspirations.

However, the protests turned violent, particularly outside the Georgian parliament. On Saturday evening, police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, while protesters retaliated by throwing bottles, eggs, and fireworks. At least ten law enforcement officers were injured, and over 250 people were arrested during the unrest, according to the Interior Ministry.

President Salome Zourabichvili has positioned herself as a staunch supporter of the protests, further escalating tensions within Georgia’s political leadership. In a video address on November 30, Zourabichvili declared that she would not leave office despite the expiration of her term on December 16, citing the lack of a “legitimate parliament” to elect her successor.

“I remain your President!” she asserted. “There is no legitimate parliament that will elect a new president.”

Zourabichvili has been a vocal critic of the Georgian Dream party, accusing it of steering the country toward Russia and away from its European path. She condemned the October parliamentary elections-where Georgian Dream secured 54 percent of the vote-as a “Russian-style” operation, alleging widespread electoral manipulation. Her calls for mass protests have further polarized the nation.

Zourabichvili’s defiance has deepened the political divide in Georgia. On November 29, she issued another video address, urging members of the military and security services to join the anti-government protests. She also blamed the street violence entirely on the police, describing the protests as “extremely peaceful.”

Prime Minister Kobakhidze, however, has dismissed Zourabichvili’s claims, accusing her and the EU of attempting to destabilize the country. Drawing parallels to Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan revolution, Kobakhidze warned against a similar “coup” scenario in Georgia, vowing to maintain stability.

Georgia’s journey toward democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration has been fraught with challenges. A former Soviet republic, Georgia declared independence in 1991 and has since oscillated between pro-Western and pro-Russian orientations.

The 2008 Russo-Georgian War marked a turning point, as Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia deepened divisions between Tbilisi and Moscow. Georgia has since sought closer ties with the EU and NATO, although progress has been slow due to internal political instability and external pressures.

The Georgian Dream party, which has ruled the country since 2012, has sought to balance relations with both the West and its powerful neighbor, Russia. While the party initially supported EU integration, its recent actions have cast doubt on its commitment to Western alignment.

Critics argue that Georgian Dream’s pragmatic approach toward Russia compromises the country’s sovereignty and democratic values. The party’s decision to freeze EU accession talks has further fueled these concerns, with opposition leaders accusing it of capitulating to Moscow’s influence.

The suspension of the US-Georgia strategic partnership marks a significant setback for Tbilisi. It not only isolates Georgia diplomatically but also jeopardizes its security and economic interests. The protests, meanwhile, highlight deep societal divisions over the country’s identity and future direction.

The crisis also underscores the fragility of Georgia’s democratic institutions. Zourabichvili’s refusal to step down, coupled with the opposition’s rejection of the parliamentary election results, raises questions about the rule of law and governance in the country.

The international community has largely condemned the Georgian government’s actions. The EU has expressed concern over the suspension of accession talks, while human rights organizations have criticized the use of excessive force against protesters.

However, Russia has remained notably silent on the matter, likely viewing the unrest as an opportunity to reassert its influence in the region.

Georgia stands at a crossroads, grappling with internal divisions and external pressures that threaten its stability and democratic aspirations. The decision to suspend EU accession talks has not only strained relations with the West but also ignited a domestic political crisis that could have far-reaching consequences.

As protests continue and political leaders remain at odds, the future of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions-and its democracy-hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the nation can navigate this turbulent period and reaffirm its commitment to a democratic and European future.

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