Conflicts

The victory of the pro-Russian camp in Georgia's parliamentary elections hasn't calmed tensions. Many pro-European demonstrators continue to challenge the new government.

Thousands of demonstrators marched and barricaded themselves in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, and in other cities in the country that neighbors Russia. The pro-Europeans are contesting the decision of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's government to postpone talks on joining the European Union until 2028. In response, riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters. During the charge, some were mistreated and arrested. Some journalists were also molested.

Opposition to the President

The post-election crisis is also a manifestation of the people's rejection of the new majority. For her part, the pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili is opposed to the Russian-inspired policies of the government in place since 2022 and re-elected on October 26 during the recent elections, held in a tense climate. She has expressed her support for the independent Georgian media, and thus for the demonstrators and their barricades. 

Moscow's hand?

In addition to the President of Georgia, legal experts are questioning the legitimacy of the latest Georgian elections. In response, the European Union and the Georgian opposition are calling for a new vote. Members of the European Parliament have called for sanctions and a new vote under international supervision. In their view, the last elections were marred by irregularities. Behind these suspicions is the powerful and wealthy Bidzina Ivanichvili, who has close ties with Moscow. 

(MH with Olivier Duquesne - Sources: European Parliament, AFP & Belga - Picture: © picture alliance/dpa/MAXPPP | Jan Schmidt-Whitley/Le Pictorium)