44 people have been hospitalized in Georgia
On December 1, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that 27 protesters, 16 police officers, and one media worker were hospitalized due to the use of water cannons and tear gas by the police.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned that “any violation of the law will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.” He added that the country will continue on its path to European integration but will not tolerate “shameful and offensive blackmail” that hinders this process. Georgia’s EU membership is expected by 2030.
Despite the integration discussions, Kobakhidze also stated that Georgia would forgo any EU budgetary grants until the end of 2028.
Presidential elections are expected in Georgia on December 14. Current President Salome Zourabichvili has deemed the parliamentary elections unconstitutional. And in the result of it protests are sparking in the capital.
Regarding the upcoming presidential elections, the Prime Minister stated that Zourabichvili should vacate the presidential residence in Orbeliani upon the conclusion of her term, despite her unwillingness to leave.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that the United States has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia.
The October 26 parliamentary elections, which resulted in a victory for the ruling “Georgian Dream” party, led to widespread protests and an opposition boycott.