Political Unrest Turns Violent in Georgia, President Refuses to Step Down

One of the biggest international stories in mainstream media over the past few weeks has been the political unrest in the country of Georgia.

For Context: Tensions flared in late October when the ruling party Georgian Dream, which favors closer ties with Russia than the pro-EU opposition, declared victory in an election that pro-opposition organizations believed was illegitimate.

Current Protests: On November 28, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the country would suspend its pursuit of European Union membership, sparking days of protests and unrest in the nation's capital, Tbilisi. Reports of police violence against protesters have emerged, and police have reportedly been targeting opposition leaders.

President Digs In: Georgia’s politically independent President Salome Zourabichvhili said she won't step down when her term expires later this month, and described the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament as illegitimate. In 2017, Georgia's parliament approved a constitutional reform eliminating presidential voting for citizens. The parliament is set to elect a new president on December 14.

US Gov’t Stance: In September, the U.S. sanctioned Georgian government officials for “anti-democratic actions,” such as the nation’s implementation of a foreign agents law. On Nov. 30, the U.S. suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia. On Dec. 4, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “Those who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georgia… will be held to account.”

Color Revolution?: Some media outlets like The Nation (Left bias) and The Grayzone previously suggested that the West has tried to incite a color revolution in Georgia. In October 2023, Zourabichvili appeared on CBS News’ (Lean Left bias) 60 Minutes TV program, imploring the West for help.

International Bias Note: For non-Western international stories, bias can often transcend the left-to-right spectrum, and be viewed through a more geopolitical lens. Read more about how Western and non-Western media outlets have covered Georgian politics here.