Georgia marks 19th day of pro-EU protests

TBILISI, Georgia

Georgia marked its 19th day of protests Monday against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision last month to suspend negotiations on the country's bid to join the European Union until 2028.

Angry demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building in the capital Tbilisi, once again blocking traffic on Shota Rustaveli Avenue.

Carrying Georgian and EU flags, they reiterated their call for the government to hold new parliamentary elections.

The demonstrators also demanded the release of those detained during the incidents that occurred in the early days of the protests.

On Nov. 28, Kobakhidze announced that in response to European political interference and the alleged use by some EU officials of financial aid as a tool for political manipulation that Georgia would suspend its EU accession talks until 2028, although it would continue working toward EU membership by 2030.​​​​​​​

The decision sparked outrage, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets of Tbilisi.