Tensions in Georgia have escalated as thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi to voice opposition to the government's decision to delay European Union accession talks until 2028. This move, announced by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, has ignited widespread anger in a country where EU membership is seen as a key path to future development and stability.
On Friday, November 29, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Tbilisi, demanding the government reverse its decision to postpone EU accession talks until 2028. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, has drawn strong criticism in a nation where approximately 80% of the population supports joining the EU. Kobakhidze defended the decision, stating that Georgia would pursue EU membership on its own terms, without relying on the EU's goodwill. He emphasized that Georgia's goal is to join the EU by 2030, despite the challenges ahead.
In response to EU pressure, Georgia has also chosen to reject any financial aid from Brussels until 2028. However, the government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the EU's Free Trade Agreement, aiming to complete 90% of these commitments by 2028. Kobakhidze assured the public that Georgia would enter the EU with a strong economy and democratic system, not by pleading for membership.
The European Parliament, meanwhile, has criticized Georgia's October 2023 parliamentary elections, citing significant irregularities and calling for new elections under international supervision. The European body has also urged sanctions against Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Kobakhidze, and recommended reducing official contact with the Georgian government.
The protests have expanded beyond Tbilisi, signaling growing discontent with both the government’s EU membership delay and accusations of election fraud. President Salome Zurabishvili and opposition parties have called for the annulment of the election results, claiming they were tainted by fraud. Despite these allegations, Prime Minister Kobakhidze maintains that the elections were fair and accuses the opposition of attempting to destabilize the country.
A report published by Minval Politika has raised new questions over alleged efforts by Luis Moreno Ocampo to shape international pressure against A...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top storie...
A humanoid robot called Sophia took an unusual place at the heart of a classical concert in Hong Kong on Wednesday (29 April), as she performe...
The United Nations has said that at least 21 people have been executed in Iran and more than 4,000 arrested since the outbreak of war involving the...
President Donald Trump discussed how to mitigate the impact of a possible months-long U.S. blockade of Iran's por...
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high after a U.S. official said President Donald Trump was unhappy with a proposal from Tehran that does not deal with its nuclear programme. Washington is insisting that any talks must address Iran’s nuclear activities.
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC+ on 1 May has put renewed focus on one of the most influential groups in global energy - and how its decisions can shape oil prices worldwide.
A report published by Minval Politika has raised new questions over alleged efforts by Luis Moreno Ocampo to shape international pressure against Azerbaijan and influence political dynamics around Armenia.
Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, known as “El Jardinero”, a senior commander of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the western state of Nayarit, Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said on Monday (27 April).
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 30th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
An initial inquiry into last year’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach has called for a series of counter-terrorism reforms, alongside increased security at Jewish public events and further gun control measures.
Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla commemorated victims of the 11 September, 2001, an al Qaeda attack on New York City on Wednesday, laying a floral bouquet at the memorial where the World Trade Centre's twin towers once stood.
Two Jewish men have been stabbed in London in an incident that British police are treating as a terrorist attack.
Reversing a decade of restrictions, New South Wales has opened new areas for gas exploration in its remote west. The move reflects growing concern over future energy supply across Australia’s east coast.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment