Georgia unrest: Massive protests challenge Russian influences
Kremlin propagandists claim that the West drives the anti-government protests in Georgia. This is the familiar narrative from the Russian Federation, suggesting that the people have taken to the streets because Georgia is moving toward the European Union, comments Dr. Irina Tkeshelashvili, an expert from the EU network Team Direct Europe.
2:38 PM EST, December 2, 2024
According to Russian propagandists, the anti-government protests in Georgia, which began on November 28, are being driven by Western influences.
"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 spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Dr. Irina Tkeshelashvili, 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, warning against Russian influences. Kremlin propagandists compare the situation to the “Georgian Maidan,” which Dr. Tkeshelashvili describes as part of Russia's disinformation campaign.
Dr. Tkeshelashvili 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 the 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 stating that representatives of the ruling party are taking unconstitutional steps," noted Dr. Tkeshelashvili. More than 500 public service employees also expressed opposition, and teachers announced a strike.
Source: PAP, Ria Novosti
