ProjectFearlessnessIn Tbilisi, Georgia spontaneous protests are breaking out at the ruling Georgian Dream party's unilateral decision to withdraw from the E.U. membership process today.
This is the scene outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia right now, with several separate protests now converging in the one place. Other demonstrations are now appearing across Georgia.
The ruling party had been keeping a lid on the unrest following the rigged elections, but today's decision to withdraw from the E.U. membership process seems to be the final straw.
Georgians may now feel they have nothing left to lose.
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"Today marks the end of the constitutional coup unfolding for weeks. The course set months ago, taking us from Europe toward Russia, has now concluded.
Today, this illegitimate government declared not peace, but war—on its own people, past, and future."
Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.
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"To everyone at home or who has joined the protests: Do not lose hope!
How events unfold in the coming days will be decided by society-all of us united
No compromise,no surrender-resistance. I will remain loyal to this until the end, just as you will remain loyal until the end."
Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.
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In Georgia, the cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Gori, and Telavi are all protesting tonight against the ruling party's decision to withdraw from the E.U. membership process.
While protest in Tbilisi are common, it's very rare to see protests in so many other cities, with all of them happening spontaneously. The E.U. membership decision seems to have really hit a nerve in Georgia.
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GreenerFutures@ProjectFearlessness I spent a month in Georgia earlier in the year and only heard people say that they wanted in, not to stay out. Anti Ru sentiment was particularly strong. Even close to the border and occupied zones.
@GreenerFutures
Georgians are very pro E.U. and the ruling Georgian Dream party were promising during the elections to keep going with the membership process. This about turn may be their downfall. Keep an eye on Georgia.
Georgians are very pro E.U. and the ruling Georgian Dream party were promising during the elections to keep going with the membership process. This about turn may be their downfall. Keep an eye on Georgia.
Boris Barbour@ProjectFearlessness @GreenerFutures
You mean they lied? I'm beginning to discern a pattern.
@BorisBarbour @ProjectFearlessness I don’t know but might suspect the Moscow long screwdriver.