Georgia's EU aspirations ignite unprecedented protests
Kremlin propagandists claim that the West drives the anti-government protests in Georgia. This is the old narrative of the Russian Federation, and the people have taken to the streets because Georgia is heading to the European Union, comments Dr. Irina Tkeshelashvilli, an expert from the EU network Team Direct Europe.
Anti-government protests in Georgia, which began on November 28, are said by Russian propagandists to be driven by Western services.
There is a clear attempt to destabilize the situation. We have seen similar events in many countries. The most direct parallel can be found in the events on the Maidan in Ukraine. All signs of an attempted orange revolution are present, claims Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Dr. Irina Tkeshelashvilli, an expert from the EU network Team Direct Europe, emphasizes that this is a false narrative from Russia. This is the old narrative of the Russian Federation, and the people have taken to the streets because Georgia is heading to the European Union, she said.
"Russia's goal is to introduce chaos"
Protests erupted after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of discussions on Georgia's EU membership until 2028. President Salome Zurabishvili urged citizens to oppose this decision, warning against Russian influences. Kremlin propagandists compare the situation to the “Georgian Maidan,” which Dr. Tkeshelashvilli describes as part of Russia's disinformation campaign.
Dr. Tkeshelashvilli notes that Georgia has been preparing for EU integration for years, implementing 36 reforms, including police and higher education reform.
Russia's goal is to introduce chaos, to divide Georgians in order to ultimately divert Georgia from its path to the EU and NATO, she added.
Georgia is simmering. Unprecedented scale of protests
The protests have reached an unprecedented scale, with the participation of over 220,000 people. Officials are also participating in the demonstrations, which is unusual.
274 Georgian diplomats signed a declaration that representatives of the ruling party are taking unconstitutional steps, noted Dr. Tkeshelashvilli. More than 500 public service employees also expressed opposition, and teachers announced a strike.
Source: PAP, Ria Novosti
