Georgia rocked by fierce protests after government puts EU hopes on ice

CNN ^ | Nov 29 | By Christian Edwards, CNN

[RandFan]

Georgia has been rocked by protests after its increasingly autocratic government said it would halt the former Soviet country’s bid to join the European Union.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, which claimed victory in last month’s election that observers said was fraudulent, announced on Thursday that it would suspend accession talks with the EU until 2028.

Its decision quickly sparked protests in the capital, Tbilisi, where demonstrators were heard chanting “Russian slaves” at police officers guarding the parliament building.

The protests were eventually put down early morning Friday. Police fired water cannons and tear gas at protesters, while men wearing balaclavas were seen running into the crowds and beating individuals.

[RandFan]

Can someone please explain to me why people in these eastern European states once crushed by Communism and now free want to join the EU 'superstate'?

I will never get it...

[butlerweave]

OMG !! why would you want to join the EU ?

[packagingguy]

Georgia is in Asia, not Europe.

[RandFan]

They want the subsidies I think it’s shameless

Better off out.

[rrrod]

Eastern Europe hates Russia.

[adorno]

now free want to join the EU 'superstate'?

Georgia is not 'free'. It's under the control of the Soviet Unio
The EU is not exactly like Russia, and people there enjoy a lot more Freedom than in Georgia presently, and for sure a lot more than in Russia. Thus, it's not exactly like they would lose their 'free' status, since they don't really have it now.

Now, Russia wants the same 'free' status for Ukraine, which they've already installed in Crimea.

[MtnClimber]

Yes, why would people who grew tired of being ruled by tyrants want it again

[adorno]

Yes, why would people who grew tired of being ruled by tyrants want it again

What 'tyrants' is it you speak of?

[Timber Rattler]

Because they don’t want to be invaded and forced back into a Russian ‘superstate.’

[kiryandil]

Georgia is not 'free'. It's under the control of the Soviet Unio

Wrong, bro.

[adorno]

Wrong, bro.

Who is in charge in Georgia? Russia has oversight and indirect control over everything that happens there. So, who is wrong. Prove me wrong; don't just say it.

[Brilliant]

Russia is losing its grip.

[kiryandil]

There is no "Soviet Union", dolt.

Did you whack your head on "A Door Knob"?

[MtnClimber]

What 'tyrants' is it you speak of?

The first were the leaders of the Soviet Union in which Georgia was a member.

The second are the globalist - communist leaders of the EU which some Georgians apparently want to join.

Both seem to be authoritarian tyrants to me.

[Brilliant]

The Soviet Union no longer exists. Just say the don’t want to be ruled but Russian dictators.

[Allegra]

Consider the source. 😄

[Jim Noble]

Eastern Europe hates Russia.

So?

[adorno]

The Soviet Union no longer exists. Just say the don’t want to be ruled but Russian dictators.

The name may have changed, but, the Russian Federation is still ruled by the same Soviet style rulers. Like I said, the Soviet Union is the same as the Russian Federation. The Soviet Union is still around. Georgians don't want to be ruled by the Soviets, even as they have assumed a different name. Satisfied?

[Ultra Sonic 007]

It seems like every election which involves being against the EU or greater European integration is derided as “fraudulent” or somehow illegitimate...

[Ultra Sonic 007]

Isn’t this the same Georgia that came under international criticism for passing a foreign agent registration law that’s LESS restrictive than our own?

I found it rather odd that so many pro-democracy voices found it objectionable for NGOs to disclose if they had foreign influence...