Tbilisi:The secretary general of the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party and mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, accused European bureaucrats of applying "double standards" by not commenting on the repression of student protests in France, while demanding sanctions against Georgia.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Kaladze highlighted the absence of condemnation from European officials regarding the situation in France, contrasting it with the criticism aimed at Georgia, where violent protestors were labeled as peaceful. This perceived inconsistency, he argued, fosters negative sentiments within Georgian society towards European politicians.

The student protests in France started in late September in the Paris region and expanded nationwide, driven by grievances over overloaded class schedules, teacher shortages, and other educational issues. These demonstrations have at times led to public disturbances and confrontations with law enforcement.

Since the protests began, French authorities have arrested approximately 7,000 individuals, with minors making up 90% of those detained. The unrest has also spread to Belgium.

In contrast, Georgia experienced protests in late November and early December 2024, following the announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze regarding the suspension of EU accession talks.