Opposition supporters in the former Soviet republic of Georgia have continued to clash with police following the government’s announcement that it is suspending talks on joining the European Union.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who takes a conciliatory stance toward Russia, said last week that the country would not put opening such talks on the agenda until the end of 2028.
Mass demonstrations by people supporting EU membership continued for five days.
In the capital Tbilisi, protesters clashed with police again on Monday evening in front of the parliament building.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition parties supporting EU membership are calling for a rerun of the October parliamentary election, citing serious electoral violations. The ruling party won a majority in the election, but the opposition claims the vote was rigged.
In an interview with Reuters news agency on Monday, Zourabichvili said it is important to get a “clear message” from Western nations that they do not recognize the election results and support a revote.
An end to the crisis is nowhere in sight, as Kobakhidze has refused to negotiate with the opposition.