EU Report

Protesters continue to gather outside the Parliament, while the police have chosen a new tactic: there are not even patrol officers who usually patrol the building. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Georgian Dream rushes to introduce strict rules for pyrotechnics💥🚫 The bill stipulates that permits for the sale and use of pyrotechnics will be issued through the Civil Security Agency, and fines will start at 2,000 lari. Licenses can be expensive, and serious violations can result in up to 5 years in prison. The ruling party will soon be afraid of its own shadow, let alone firecrackers and jokes! At this rate, the rules are being tightened, in a couple of weeks even fireworks will be banned for the New Year. Maybe it's worth thinking about hiring titushki for 700 lari per hour? They will definitely sort out the pyrotechnics and "clean up" everything that needs to be done, leaving not a single "unwanted" explosion. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

The march is already underway to the Georgian Parliament Video by @ekho_kavkaza 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

12th night of protests in Georgia: who will outlast whom? Protests continue in Tbilisi and Batumi, although the number of participants has decreased. The police have withdrawn from the square, and riot police and water cannons are inactive. Protesters decorated the main Christmas tree with photographs of the victims, recalling the events of the Yanukovych era in Ukraine. The standoff has entered a stage of endurance: will the opposition hold on to the protest until the presidential elections on December 14 or will it give in, as the ruling party claims? 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Tbsili life writes about a strange case of russification A friend told us: “Yesterday, my wife and I spent 10 minutes arguing with a woman who came to take the census; she stubbornly tried to register us as Russians (my wife is a citizen of Ukraine, I am a citizen of Belarus). When all knowledge of the Georgian language was exhausted, we had to involve a neighbor. But this didn’t help either; the woman from the census told her neighbor that she didn’t care, they were all Russian anyway.” Despite the fact that this report is (atm) an isolated case, we may be expecting “surprising” results from the Georgian census. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Addition to previous report The journalist for the publication "Caucasian Knot" Beslan Kmuzov reported that after being detained at an anti-government protest in Tbilisi, he was summoned to the migration service. According to Kmuzov, he was detained by Georgian special forces on December 7 while performing his official duties. The journalist, who has a permanent residence and is married to a Georgian citizen, fears that he may be deported to Russia. In an interview with Ekho Kavkaza, the journalist says that he was born and raised in Abkhazia, and had to leave his home due to pressure from local authorities and fictitious accusations. He received a Russian passport and moved to Georgia via Azerbaijan in 2007. "(In Russia) I do not have real estate, I do not have and have never had an internal passport of the Russian Federation. If someone claims that I decided to go to Russia on my own, then this is not true. I do not want to end up there against my will," Kmuzov wrote on social media. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

UK to suspend all aid programs for Georgia. The UK is suspending all assistance programs to Georgia and limiting interaction with the Georgian government, the Foreign Minister said. "Shocking scenes of violence against protesters and journalists by the Georgian authorities are unacceptable and must stop. These actions cast a shadow on Georgia's international credibility and contradict Georgia's constitutional commitment to the European future," he said in a statement. At the same time, the British Foreign Office said in a statement: "The UK will continue to support the people of Georgia and their right to choose the future of their country." 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇧

Russian ship fired with flares at German military helicopter in the Baltic Sea. The crew of a Russian ship in the Baltic Sea fired at a German military helicopter with flares, an informed source told DPA. According to the ZDF, the Bundeswehr helicopter was carrying out a reconnaissance mission. The incident was shortly mentioned by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels without providing further details. The use of flares is usually only allowed in emergency situations. Baerbock noted that ships often move in the Baltic Sea related to the circumvention of sanctions imposed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The minister also announced plans to strengthen surveillance of gas pipelines and submarine cables in the Baltic Sea. Patrols will be expanded to protect critical infrastructure amid an increase in the number of hybrid attacks coming from Russia and its supporters. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇩🇪

Mtavari Arkhi journalist Eka Kvesitadze spreads a warning in Georgia: "Friends, be careful. Politicians, journalists, representatives of the civil sector - do not agree to an interview with this man. This is the famous Russian propagandist Andrea Lucidi. Despite the fact that he is an Italian citizen, the European Union is now imposing sanctions against him. He is receiving Russian citizenship. According to my information, he is in Tbilisi. Don't be fooled by his Italian origins." Readers from Italy confirm the information, reporting that this is a well-known propagandist who participates in all possible screenings of propaganda films and various programs dedicated to Donbass in Italy. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Presenters Ana Koshadze and Vakho Kandelaki left the pro-government channel "Rustavi2" in protest. Today journalist Levan Morchiashvili also resigned from the pro-government propaganda television channel "TV Imedi" 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

The leader of the opposition party "Strategy Agmashenebeli" of the coalition "Unity - National Movement" Giorgi Vashadze reports that the criminal police came to his home. You can learn how to communicate with representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from his FB stream . Vashadze did not let them into the house. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

The country's main New Year tree in Tbilisi now looks like this. It featured photographs of protesters and journalists beaten by special forces, as well as flags of Georgia, Ukraine, the EU, and the US. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

The driver who drove into the crowd of protesters was allowed to leave, while the protestors and journalists argued with the police and continued then their march through the streets of Batumi. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Readers from Tbsili life report that an unknown person practically tried to ram a crowd of protesters in Batumi, while initially driving in the oncoming lane. Police push protesters away from the car. After yesterday's events in Tbilisi, this incident no longer seems like something accidental. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

🔻 REACTION OF GEORGIAN BUSINESS TO THE EVENTS Part No. 3 . 🔴 Expo Georgia CEO Resan Kikava called what is happening in the country a catastrophe that could lead to irreversible bloodshed. According to him, these processes are throwing the country back many years, and silence and protests at home are not a solution. He noted that the country’s internal governance and external relations indicate that it is becoming a Russian-style state. 🔴 Executive Secretary of the Union of Medical Associations Archil Morchiladze stated that what is happening in the country is the responsibility of the authorities, which is an axiom. He noted that the escalation and conflicts that led to the current situation began long ago and reached new heights every year. This was especially noticeable before the elections, when banners were distributed accusing opponents of treason and rootlessness, as well as promises that they should disappear. He believes that the way out of the situation will always be to hold new elections. 🔴 Chairman of the Association of Restaurants and Hotels Shalva Alaverdashvili said that it is becoming more and more difficult to wake up every day. He noted that people are beginning to feel fear, and this leads to the fact that one often hears: "Better keep quiet, so that you won't be touched." According to him, the country cannot move forward like this. This is not Russia, not Belarus or any other country - this is Georgia, where the mentality is different. As for business and tourism, he noted that this is a very fragile area, and changes are felt immediately. He reported that almost 70% of hotels in Tbilisi are now empty, there are no guests, and this threatens the retention of staff. The number of bookings does not even cover the cost. How much longer this business can withstand, he does not know. It is very important for stability and peace to come to the country. The sooner we find a solution, the faster we can restore the sector. The main way out is de-escalation, for which new elections should be scheduled. 🔴 The Georgian Industrial Group (GIG), founded by businessman Davit Bezhuashvili, condemns violence against peaceful protesters. "GIG Holding is the same age as Georgia's independence. Together we have gone through the most difficult years. We and our team always remain faithful to the article of the Constitution of Georgia, which clearly defines the main vector of the country's development, its aspirations for the Euro-Atlantic space. We consider any obstacles on the path to this goal to be unacceptable; this threatens the security of our country and the realization of its potential. We condemn any form of violence against our fellow citizens, peaceful protesters. We stand and will always stand next to the Georgian people." 🔴 The founder of Eristavi Estates, Zurab Eristavi, said that in the last 30 years, when important issues arose in the state, business always remained silent, but this must be overcome. According to him, there is no longer a feeling in society that we live in a protected and free society. "We are a people in love with our country, and we think day and night about how to bring good to it and set an example for others. We cannot remain silent now." Eristavi added that there are people who are on the opposite side and sincerely believe in it. But the real villains are not them, but those who know exactly what is happening and, adapting to the situation, remain silent. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

🔻 REACTION OF GEORGIAN BUSINESS TO THE EVENTS Part #2. 🔴 Shareholder of the development company "Arsis" Tornike Abuladze stated that what is happening today - beatings of people, arrests, punishments of children whom we saw, I don't know how old they are, but clearly around 18-19 years old, what is spoken of as organized crime, the style of arrests - is in fact terror and leads to systemic terror. <> As for the way out of the situation, Abuladze believes that the way out is new elections. The goal is de-escalation, because the moment we are in is very dangerous, but I think that without this, detente is impossible. Otherwise, what we saw in the 1990s will happen. 🔴 Nutrimax Managing Partner Beka Bekaia said that business should be more united and more actively express its position. In his opinion, the solution is that everyone must understand that if we don’t all rise to some level today, we could lose everything. It may become impossible to live in this country. There are young people working in our company, and they all want to leave. They go to protests, they fight, but they think that if nothing changes, we will leave. It is very depressing. I work with everyone and tell them that everyone here needs to fight to create a better atmosphere. 🔴 The founder of "RESCHOOL" Salome Mgeladze said that there is no need to retreat even one step, because this is the last battle. Mgeladze believes that everyone should understand that after this there will be no elections at all. They will directly write the numbers they need, as is happening in Russia. Therefore, I believe that the voice of business should be more audible in this process. We must be more united and we will definitely win. According to her, the fight against the people has never been won, and it is impossible to ignore the mass protests of 200,000 people. She added that every day, when she goes out to protest, she says goodbye to her children and does not know whether she will return home, since everyone around her has been arrested and subjected to physical violence, regardless of gender or age. Mgeladze emphasized that the situation is no longer about political preferences, but rather represents a violation of the law. 🔴 Chirina founder Revaz Vashakidze said that a civil war has already begun in Tbilisi and throughout the country. According to him, a civil war begins when one part of a nation fights another, and this is already happening. He believes that the situation is on the brink, and only one step can lead to some citizens taking up arms. As for business, he says that a very bad situation is expected in the future: business development will be difficult, and if a civil war begins, many may leave the country, and businesses will close. Vashakidze stressed that in order to de-escalate, it is necessary to arrest the police and unofficial participants in the violence, and to replace the Minister of Internal Affairs. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

🔻 REACTION OF GEORGIAN BUSINESS TO THE EVENTS Part #1. 🔴 The founder of McDonalds Georgia, the owner of the Coca-Cola plant, businessman Temur Chkonia said that the current situation has forced businesses to talk. He stressed that the country is in a difficult situation, and aggression between people has increased. Businessmen are afraid to state their position, but it is important to overcome this fear and be on the side of truth. He noted that there is a group of businessmen who are adapting to the situation, choosing what is beneficial for themselves. Chkhonia added that if the protests weaken, it will not be a solution, as the energy of these days will not disappear. He also noted that economic growth is not the main argument for joining Europe, what is important is the commitments and justice that exist there. According to him, the solution to the problem is new elections, which must be called. He also stressed that differences in opinions do not mean betrayal, and all these opinions are united by love for the country. 🔴 Salt Projects founder and CEO Valeri Chekheria said it was time to remind businesses of their social responsibility , which is to express their position. Business should not be silent. He also said that people need to be motivated to join the protests and speak out. Chekheria noted that silence in the current conditions is a betrayal. 🔴 Deputy CEO of TBC Bank Goga Tkhelidze says that detention centers and hospitals are overcrowded with children, and police are attacking peaceful people, as can be seen in video evidence where young people are peacefully standing and being attacked by police. He noted that when a criminal gang brutally dealt with journalists and citizens, the patrol did not intervene. According to him, not a single aggressive policeman has been punished so far, and called on the authorities to come to their senses, because they are destroying the country. 🔴 Chairman of the Association of Restaurateurs Shota Burjanadze said that there have been many events in Georgia since independence, but there has never been such a large-scale protest as now. What was created over 33 years is now under threat. In 2012, Burjanadze stood with a sign declaring that Misha was a murderer. Today, Georgia is once again in front of the authorities, and someone can come forward with the same message. The only solution, he believes, is for the majority of society to side with the truth. It is necessary to get rid of conformism and communist thinking that still exists. We, as free people, must get used to freedom and take a step for the sake of freedom and happiness of our children. 🔴 Executive Director of The Georgian Reconstruction and Development Company (GRDC) Levan Karalashvili: “We have returned to the chaos of the 90s. We still have resources for mobilization, including finances, people and a network. It is necessary to channel these resources correctly in order to move towards the elections." 🔴 Founder and Managing Partner of ACT Tina Rukhadze said that she sees a way out in a united position of the people and business, all layers of society. In bringing our voice to the authorities. I don't see any other way out. We have remained silent on some issues, closed our eyes to them. We are in a state like a frog that is put on a cold frying pan, and it does not feel how it begins to burn. If you put it on a hot frying pan, it will immediately jump out, but if on a cold one, gradually increasing the temperature, it will not notice how it is fried. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Kobakhidze Praises Police for Actions 'Above American and European Standards' Today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze once again expressed gratitude to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the police for their actions, which allegedly correspond to standards “above American and European ones.” Meanwhile the Public Defender accuses almost daily the regime and their law enforcement for their illegal actions and attacks on Georgian citizens. Not to mention the footage of titushki beating people while police officers merely watch or accompany the offenders, shows exactly whose Z-standards the regime is following. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Actions in support of journalists: Georgians demand justice. Protests against violence against journalists are taking place in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi. Participants demand that the attacks be investigated and those responsible punished. Over the past ten days, more than 50 media representatives have been injured. The protests united citizens who advocate for freedom of the press and the safety of journalists. 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪

Tbilisi authorities brought out "titushki" against protesters 😡 On the 10th night of protests, Georgian authorities appeared to have enlisted the help of "titushki" - former athletes and members of criminal gangs - to suppress the demonstrations. The exhausted 'special forces' gave way to these people, among whom were convicted of violence and hooliganism. Attacks on journalists, actors and supporters of pro-European protests have become their "job". 🇪🇺@EU_Report 🇬🇪