By suspending talks with the E.U., the party was decisively pivoting to Russia and away from its European aspirations — one of the few goals most Georgians agree on.

Protests overtook the streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, after the government paused its efforts to join the European Union.

Night after night, Georgians have filled the broad central avenue that runs past parliament, in such great numbers there is barely space to move, on the road or the pavement either side. They come to Rustaveli Avenue draped in flags,

Kremlin propagandists claim that the West drives the anti-government protests in Georgia. This is the familiar narrative from the Russian Federation, suggesting that the people have taken to the streets because Georgia is moving toward the European Union,