Georgia Protests Over EU Membership Delay Turn Violent

Georgia has been engulfed in protests after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a suspension of EU accession talks until 2028, citing 'blackmail' from the European Union. The decision has sparked violent clashes in Tbilisi, with police using tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse thousands of pro-EU demonstrators. The suspension follows a controversial parliamentary election criticized for alleged fraud, with opposition parties and President Salome Zourabichvili calling for a re-run. The ruling party's move has been perceived as a shift towards pro-Russian policies, exacerbating tensions with the EU, which had already criticized Georgia for laws seen as repressive. Despite the unrest, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze maintains that Georgia will be ready to join the EU by 2030, with public support for EU membership estimated at 80% among Georgians.