Protests are taking place in the capital of Georgia following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement of the country's refusal to join the European Union, reports the publication "News of Georgia."
A spontaneous rally gathered near the central office of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, in Tbilisi after the authorities announced the suspension of EU accession talks. Participants in the protest claim that this decision is a betrayal of the country's interests and violates Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia, which enshrines the aspiration for European integration.
They believe that such actions jeopardize Georgia's future and undermine years of efforts to get closer to Europe.
"The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, has declared herself the sole legitimate representative of the government in the country. 'Today, I am the only legitimate institution in this country, the only legitimate representative of this country, the only one who has the right to speak to the world on behalf of our society. I will do this and will be here until the end; I will stand with you and the society. This is a movement of resistance,'" the message from "News of Georgia" on Telegram states.
On Thursday, November 28, Kobakhidze announced at a briefing that his country is refusing to negotiate EU accession until 2028.