Playback speed
×
Share post
Share post at current time
0:00
/
0:00
Transcript

7th Night of Unrest in Tbilisi, Georgia: A Ground Report by Patrick Lancaster

The streets of Tbilisi are alive with unrest for the seventh consecutive night. In a scene filled with tension and emotion, Patrick Lancaster, on the ground in Georgia’s capital, captures the dramatic unfolding of a protest movement triggered by a controversial announcement from the ruling Georgian Dream party. The decision to delay talks of European Union (EU) accession until 2028 has sparked a wave of anger, particularly among younger Georgians who see their future tied to Europe.

Thanks for reading Patrick Lancaster’s Substack! This post is public so feel free to share

Share

Background to the Unrest

The ruling party, which has held power for over a decade, cited the EU’s critique of last month’s elections as neither free nor fair as the reason for delaying EU accession talks. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili claimed the EU was “blackmailing” Georgia, a statement that incited outrage among opposition groups and citizens. In response, protests erupted, with opposition leaders and demonstrators decrying the government’s perceived betrayal of Georgia’s pro-European aspirations.

As the protests unfolded, they became increasingly violent. Homemade fireworks have been repurposed as makeshift weapons, and clashes with police—who have responded with water cannons—have resulted in dozens of injuries and hundreds of arrests. The protests have spread beyond Tbilisi, although participation has begun to dwindle after seven days of unrest.

The Role of Foreign Influence

The situation has drawn international attention, with narratives of foreign influence emerging. Prime Minister Garibashvili alleged that "foreign instructors" are behind the protests, an assertion that echoes comments made by Russian officials. Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President, described the protests as an "attempted revolution" destined to fail, while Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova signaled Moscow's readiness to improve ties with Tbilisi. These comments raise questions about Georgia’s geopolitical future and the potential for Russian involvement. There has also been alleged a large foreign presence in the protesters.

In contrast, the EU’s new foreign policy chief has voiced unequivocal support for the protesters, warning that Georgia’s decision to delay EU integration could have serious consequences for its relationship with Europe. Against this backdrop, President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-opposition figure whose term was set to end this month, has refused to leave office, citing the recent elections’ lack of integrity.

On the Ground: Patrick Lancaster’s Report

Patrick Lancaster's frontline reporting brings a human element to the chaos. Outside Tbilisi’s parliament building, he encounters a diverse group of protesters—many of them young people—voicing their determination to bring Georgia closer to the EU. One protester passionately stated, "We want Europe. Our government is corrupt, and we are here to save our country."

Lancaster captured scenes of escalating tension, including youth hurling firecrackers at police and protesters engaging in heated debates with officers. Despite the declining number of demonstrators, the energy remains charged as protesters insist on their vision of a European future for Georgia.

Meanwhile, Lancaster noted the government’s efforts to manage the situation, including a significant police presence encircling the parliament. Despite the heavy security, the protests reflect deep societal divisions, with some fearing a descent into violence akin to the Maidan protests in Ukraine in 2014.

The Broader Implications

The ongoing unrest in Georgia raises critical questions about its political and geopolitical trajectory. Will Georgia turn toward Europe or toward Russia? The Prime Minister’s recent statement claiming he was "misunderstood" about the EU delay has done little to calm tensions, as protesters and international observers remain skeptical of the government’s intentions.

Lancaster’s coverage offers a vital, independent lens on this evolving crisis. By documenting voices from the ground, he highlights the human struggle behind geopolitical shifts, providing invaluable insights into a nation at a crossroads.

What’s Next for Georgia?

The coming days will be crucial. With the protests entering their second week, pressure mounts on the government to clarify its stance and take action to address the protesters' grievances. As Lancaster aptly put it in his report, “The future of Georgia is in play right now.” The stakes could not be higher for a nation grappling with its identity, alliances, and the hopes of its people.

For more in-depth coverage and firsthand reports, follow Patrick Lancaster’s work through his Substack and independent journalism platforms.

Patrick Lancaster’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Patrick Lancaster’s Substack
Patrick Lancaster’s Substack Podcast
My name is Patrick Lancaster, You deserve more than what the mainstream media chooses to show you. Here you will get podcasts and reactions, deepdives of great importance