Georgian President departs for France amid ongoing protests

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has traveled to France, according to a statement from the President’s Administration. Details regarding the purpose of her visit or scheduled meetings remain undisclosed.

The announcement comes as tensions in Georgia continue to escalate following the police crackdown on pro-European demonstrations. In a statement shared on social media early on December 7, President Zourabichvili strongly criticized the authorities, stating: “Yesterday, they rested; today, Kobakhidze smiled, and by evening, terror unfolded!”

On the ninth consecutive night of protests, police resumed forceful measures to disperse demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue. After two nights of relative calm, riot police deployed water cannons and tear gas to clear the protest site.

Law enforcement detained 48 individuals overnight, adding to the growing number of arrests. Over eight days of demonstrations, sparked by the government’s decision to postpone EU membership negotiations, the total number of detainees has surpassed 380.

The President’s visit to France amid these developments raises questions about the timing and potential diplomatic discussions that may influence Georgia’s current crisis.