Approximately 700 civil servants in Georgia have been dismissed for expressing support for pro-European Union protests, according to a report by Transparency International, as cited by FoNet.
The protests began in November 2024, after the Georgian government announced its decision to freeze EU accession talks until 2028. The move sparked widespread public dissent and led to an outpouring of criticism from government employees, many of whom signed open letters condemning the government’s stance. Several diplomats even resigned from their posts in protest.
In early December, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze referred to these letters as a form of “self-purging” of disloyal elements from the public sector.
Since the start of the demonstrations, the ruling Georgian Dream party has repeatedly amended public service laws, weakening legal protections for civil servants.
According to Transparency International, the Ministry of Defense and Tbilisi City Hall have been the most affected by the dismissals, with changes in legislation facilitating the mass layoffs. The organization has warned of a deepening crackdown on civil liberties and democratic principles in the country.
The protests continue as Georgian citizens demand a return to a clear pro-European path and stronger guarantees for civil rights.
