Archive
Search results
Page 13 of 767
Munich Security Report: pro-Russian Oligarch Ivanishvili Responsible for Georgia’s Tilt Away from EU
In the latest edition of the Munich Security Report for the year 2024 titled “Lose-Lose?”, Bidzina Ivanishvili, described as “the pro-Russian oligarch and founder of Georgia’s governing party,” is identified as responsible for Georgia’s recent democratic backsliding and movement away from the European Union, “against the wishes of the majority of the Georgian public.” Apart …
Tags: Abkhazia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, EU, Munich Security Conference, Tskhinvali Region
13/02/2024 - 19:03
At Least 100 Georgian Citizens on Russia’s Wanted List
On February 13, the Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, citing the database of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, reported the information on foreign individuals wanted by Russian authorities on various charges. Georgia tops the list with its 100 citizens fighting on the Ukrainian side in Russia’s war of aggression in the category Foreigners …
Tags: Aleko Elisashvili, Davit Katsarava, Irakli Okruashvili, Russia
USAID’s Assistant to the Administrator Visits Georgia
In the framework of her visit to Georgia, USAID’s Assistant to the Administrator (AtA) of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG), Shannon N. Green, has conducted meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), and the elections-focused civil society organizations. On …
Georgia’s Foreign Trade Down 14.9% in January 2024
On February 13, the National Statistics Service of Georgia (Geostat) published express data indicating that the external merchandise trade (excluding non-declared trade) of Georgia decreased by 14.9% in January 2024 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, amounting USD 1,339.8 million. Source: Geostat According to Geostat, Georgia’s external merchandise trade saw exports rise by 26.3% …
Tags: Foreign Trade, Georgia, Geostat
Attempt to Conclude Agreement with Russian Guard Allegedly Dropped in Abkhazia
At the end of the last week the Abkhaz telegram channels circulated the draft agreement on cooperation between the Russian Federal Service of National Guard Troops (Russian Guard or RosGvardia) and the so-called interior ministry of Abkhazia, which sparked concerns about the “interference in internal politics” and “loss of sovereignty” among the local population in Abkhazia. The …
The Daily Beat: 12 February
A newly confirmed Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, held his first cabinet meeting, appointing Vice Prime Ministers and pledging to step up anti-corruption efforts and demonstrate inclusiveness. The Economy Minister, Levan Davitashvili, is set as the First Vice Prime Minister. At the same time, the Culture Minister, Tea Tsulukiani, and Defense Minister, Irakli Chikovani, are appointed …
Tags: Defense Ministry of Georgia, Democracy Research Institute, European Commission, Government of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani, Levan Davitashvili, Mikhail Galuzin, Ministry of Economy, Occupied Abkhazia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Romeo Mikautadze, TASS, Tea Tsulukiani, Temur Karbaia
DRI: Government’s Security Oversight Action Plan Falls Short of EU Requirements
On February 12, the Democracy Research Institute (DRI) issued a statement saying that the part of the Government’s action plan, addressing the parliamentary oversight of the security sector “does not envisage any real measures in this direction.” The government Action Plan published on December 25 addressed the implementation of the 9 conditions put forward by …
Tags: Defense and Security, EU integration, Parliamentary Oversight
12/02/2024 - 18:28
Two People Allegedly Detained in Connection with Murder in Occupied Gali
On February 10, two employees of the occupied Gali police department, Albert Zarakua and Vianor Abshilava, were arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Georgian citizen Temur (Vitali) Karbaia, RFE/RL’s Russian-language Ekho Kavkaza reported. According to the report, the de facto Abkhaz prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation against three individuals. These include the …
Tags: Abkhazia, occupation, Temur Karbaia
Kobakhidze Appoints Vice PMs, Vows Inclusive Governance, Anti-Corruption Efforts in First Cabinet Meeting
On February 12, newly confirmed Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze held his first cabinet meeting. PM Kobakhidze appointed Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Economy, as First Vice Prime Minister. Davitashvili previously served as Vice Prime Minister in Irakli Garibashvili’s cabinet. Tea Tsulukiani, Minister of Culture retained her vice premiership. Irakli Chikovani, newly appointed Minister of Defense, …
Tags: Corruption, Irakli Chikovani, Levan Davitashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Tea Tsulukiani
Russia to Pursue “Normalization with Georgia” Despite Absence of Diplomatic Relations
In his interview with the Russian news agency TASS published on February 10, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin said that “Russia intends to further facilitate the normalization of ties with Georgia” despite the absence of diplomatic relations, the restoration of which is “unfortunately…subject to political demands that contradict the new realities …
Tags: Mikhail Galuzin, Russia
The Daily Beat: 9 February
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the Georgian State Security Service’s statement over the alleged transfer of explosives from Ukraine to Russia via Georgia. “Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Georgia and its territory are being used by all those who want to destabilize the situation in the post-Soviet space and …
Tags: Basiani nightclub, Corruption, CSOs, Defense Ministry of Georgia, EU, Giorgi Matiashvili, Government Administration, Imedi TV, Interior Ministry, Maria Zakharova, Mikheil Saahkashvili, Russian Foreign Ministry, Rustavi, Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, State Security Service, Transparency International Georgia, Ukraine
10/02/2024 - 17:10
Op-ed | Speaker’s Constructive Tone Masks Poisoned Lies on NGOs
Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has once again attacked NGOs and their donors. Urging them to be “constructive”, the Speaker is accusing CSOs of lacking transparency and accountability, and of displaying political bias. This isn’t the first time he’s unleashed such tirades, and it demands a response. Levan Tsutskiridze is Executive Director of the Eastern European Centre for Multiparty …
Tags: Attack on CSOs, Shalva Papuashvili
EU Military Committee Chair Visits Georgia
The Chairman of the EU Military Committee, General Robert Brieger, is on a two-day visit to Georgia. On February 9, General Brieger met with the Chief of the Georgian Defense Forces Giorgi Matiashvili. According to the Georgian Ministry of Defence, during the meeting, the parties discussed the military partnership with the EU and the future …
Tags: Defense, EU-Georgia relations, Giorgi Matiashvili, Robert Brieger
09/02/2024 - 18:34
Speaker Accuses CSOs of “Lack of Transparency” and “Political Bias”
On February 9, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili published a lengthy letter accusing the Georgian CSOs of “lack of transparency” and “political bias” and proposing steps to solve this “double challenge” by creating portals for their financial transparency and making donors accountable for the activities of the organizations they fund. Shalva Papuashvili writes that the government …
Op-ed | EU’s Defense of Democracy Package May Backfire in Georgia
On December 12, 2023, the European Commission finally unveiled its Defence of Democracy Package. A foreign funding directive of the package turned out specifically problematic as it aims to establish harmonized “transparency and accountability standards” for those engaged in “interest representation” within the internal market. The proposal introduces a registry for entities engaged in third-country …
Meetings Continue in the Framework of President’s ‘Unity Platform for Europe’
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili continues to meet with representatives of opposition parties as part of the “Unity Platform for Europe” initiative, which she had announced in her annual address to Parliament on February 6. In addition, Zurabishvili began to hold meetings with representatives of civil society organizations. 07/02/2024 – President’s “Unity Platform for Europe” Kicks …
Tags: Aleko Elisashvili, Nika Melia, Roman Gotsiridze, Salome Zurabishvili, Unity Platform for Europe, Zviad Dzidziguri
Interview | EU Foreign Agent Law: Time is of the Essence
On December 12, 2023, the European Commission unveiled its controversial Defence of Democracy Package. At its core, the package features a directive with an ambitious goal to establish harmonized “transparency and accountability standards” for activities defined as “interest representation” within the internal market. The current proposal introduces a registry for entities engaged in third-country “interest …
Tags: Civil Society, Defense of Democracy, EU
Russian MFA on the Alleged Transfer of Bombs from Ukraine to Russia via Georgia
On February 7, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented at the press conference on the Georgian State Security Service’s statement about the alleged transfer of explosives from Ukraine to Russia via Georgia. She blamed Ukraine and added that “unfortunately, this is not the first time that Georgia and its territory (then it was also …
Tags: Georgia, Maria Zakharova, State Security Service of Georgia, Ukraine
Georgian Citizen Illegally Detained by Russian Occupation Forces Released
Petre Kalashnikovi, a Georgian citizen who was illegally detained by the Russian occupation forces, has been released, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) reported on February 8. The released man was allegedly detained on September 15, 2023 in the occupied territory of the Tskhinvali region near the village of Odzisi, Dusheti municipality (according to …
Tags: illegal detentions, occupation, State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG)
The Daily Beat: 8 February
On 8 February, Irakli Kobakhidze and his new cabinet won a vote of confidence from the parliament with 84 votes to 10. Eleven out of twelve cabinet ministers retained their ministerial positions. Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani is the only new cabinet member, replacing Juansher Burchuladze in this post. President Salome Zurabishvili, whom the ruling Georgian …
Tags: Aslan Bzhania, defense minister, EU, Georgian Dream party, Georgian National Communications Commission, Interior Ministry, Irakli Chikovani, Landslide, Mtavari Arkhi TV, NATO, occupation line, Occupied Abkhazia, President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Russia, Sergei Lavrov, Syria, TV Imedi
Managing Upwards: Fall and Rise of Irakli Kobakhidze
In the summer of 2019, Irakli Kobakhidze might have felt wronged. He was just forty years old and at the peak of his career as the Speaker of the Parliament when he took an unexpected tumble. And all of that happened because a Russian MP was spotted sitting in his official chair. Kobakhidze took the …
Tags: Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze
08/02/2024 - 22:33
Parliament Confirms PM Kobakhidze and his Cabinet of Ministers
The Parliament of Georgia confirmed on February 8 Irakli Kobakhidze as the new Prime Minister and the new cabinet of Ministers led by him, comprised of twelve Ministers, of which eleven have retained their posts. On January 29, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili resigned. The leader of the Georgian Dream party, Irakli Kobakhidze, was nominated …
Tags: Georgia, Government of Georgia, Parliament of Georgia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze
ComCom: Pro-government Media Advertising Revenues Up
In 2023, pro-government TV Imedi had the largest share of commercial TV advertising revenues, which increased by GEL 8.6 million from to 2022 and amounted to GEL 33.7 million, the Georgian National Communications Commission reported on February 7. Commercial revenues of Media Holding Rustavi 2 increased by GEL 4.5 million to GEL 13.7 million. POSTV’s …
Bzhania Meets Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Moscow
On February 8, the de facto leader of occupied Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit to Moscow. The purpose of the meeting was “to discuss the development of relations” between Russia and occupied Abkhazia. Bzhania left for Moscow on January 30 and has also met with other high-ranking …
Tags: Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, Georgia, Sergey Lavrov
Parliamentary Opposition Joint Hearing of PM Candidate Kobakhidze
On February 7, the opposition faction in the Parliament “United National Movement” and other political parties and groups held a joint hearing of the Prime Ministerial candidate Irakli Kobakhidze and the candidates for cabinet of ministers. The opposition parties “Lelo” and “Citizens” didn’t attend the hearing. Irakli Kobakhidze spoke about the program “For the Construction …
UPDATE: Natural Disasters Hit Western Georgia, Killing Eleven
Natural disasters struck the Adjara and Imereti regions of Georgia, killing eleven people. On 6 February, natural disasters claimed two lives in the Adjara region of Georgia. One citizen was killed by a landslide in Tsoniarisi village of the Keda municipality. In the same region, in the Tkhilvana village of the Khulo municipality, an avalanche …
The Daily Beat: 7 February
Natural disasters struck the Imereti and Adjara regions of Georgia, claiming the lives of at least eight people. One citizen reported dead was hit by an avalanche, and a landslide killed another in the Adjara region. Also, the bodies of six people were found in the landslide-affected area in the Imereti region, while three others …
Tags: Adjara, Droa, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Giorgi Gakharia, Girchi - More Freedom, Imereti, Landslide, Lelo for Georgia, Matrona of Moscow, Mikheil Saakashvili, Nata Peradze, President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze
President’s “Unity Platform for Europe” Kicks off with First Talks with Opposition
On February 7, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili began the first meetings with representatives of opposition parties within the framework of the “Unity Platform for Europe”, which she had announced the day before in her annual address to the Parliament. The leaders of the opposition party “Lelo for Georgia,” Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, were the …
Tags: Droa, Girchi-More Freedom, Lelo, Opposition, Platform of Unity for Europe, Reform Group, Salome Zurabishvili
07/02/2024 - 15:11
Reactions to President Zurabishvili’s Annual Address to Parliament
On February 6, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili delivered a final annual address in Parliament. The President spoke about security challenges, focusing on Russia’s hybrid war, the ongoing occupation of Georgian regions and Russia’s war in Ukraine; the process of Georgia’s EU membership and the importance of mobilizing the whole society on this path; the challenges to Georgian democracy …
Tags: President, Salome Zurabishvili
Joint Committees’ Hearing of Candidate for Minister of Foreign Affairs
On February 7, the parliamentary committees held another round of discussions on the new government program “For the Construction of a European State” and a joint (and the last) hearing of the candidate for Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili. The committees present at the meeting were: Diaspora and Caucasus Issues; European Integration; and Foreign Affairs. Ilia …
Tags: Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Georgia, Parliament of Georgia
The Daily Beat: 6 February
President Salome Zurabishvili addressed the parliament with her final speech, speaking of ongoing Russian occupation, the war in Ukraine, EU integration, and the importance of free and fair elections. President heavily criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party, briefly outlining all the foreign and security policy and democracy setbacks, also, for the first time mentioning Bidzina …
Tags: Georgian Dream party, Mikheil Saaakshvili, Nino Tsilosani, Opposition, Parliament of Georgia, People’s Power, President Salome Zurabishvili, Sozar Subari, State Security Service of Georgia, Ukrainian Embassy in Tbilisi
Parliamentary Committees Hold Another Joint Hearing of Candidates for Ministers
On February 6, the parliamentary committees held another round of discussions on the new government program “For the Construction of a European State” and a joint hearing of ministerial candidates. The committees present at the meeting were: Agrarian Issues, Environmental Protection and Natural Resources; Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy; Regional Policy and Self-Government; and Finance …
Tags: Cabinet of Ministers, Georgia, Parliament of Georgia
06/02/2024 - 18:26
The Daily Beat: 5 February
The State Security Service reported the intercepting a shipment of explosives from Ukraine to Russia via Georgia, saying that the activation of these devices could cause significant damage to infrastructure and large-scale casualties. According to the Security Agency, the explosives were to be transferred to the Russian city of Voronezh via the Dariali border crossing …
Tags: European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Eviction, FSB, Lelo for Georgia, Mikheil Saaakshvili, Occupied Abkhazia, Ombudsman, Parliament of Georgia, Religion, Russia, Salome Samadashvili, Shalva Papuashvili, State Security Service, Tbilisi City Court, Terrorism, Ukraine, Western Balkans
FSB Guards Tightening Control on Abkhaz Section of Georgia-Russia Border
Several Abkhaz politicians, public figures, and journalists have recently reported delays and, at times, lengthy interrogations by the Russian FSB border guards when crossing into Russia at the Psou checkpoint on the Abkhaz section of the Georgia-Russia border. Local news outlets report that Russian border guards refer to those as “friendly conversations.” Those wishing to …
05/02/2024 - 18:13
SSSG Says it Intercepted Bomb Shipment from Ukraine to Russia via Georgia
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced on February 5 that it has seized special explosive devices and a large amount of explosive substances as a result of operational search and investigation activities. At the special briefing the Head of the Counterterrorism Department, Bacha Mgeladze, said that two electric car batteries had been seized …
Tags: Andrei Sherashidze, Bacha Mgeladze, Counterterrorism, Georgia, Russia, State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG), Terrorism, Ukraine
Georgia-Western Balkans Inter-Parliamentary Conference on EU Integration Held in Tbilisi
On February 5, the Georgia-Western Balkans Inter-Parliamentary Conference on European Integration was held in Tbilisi, bringing together the representatives of the parliamentary committees on EU integration from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Northern Macedonia. The topics of discussion included judicial reforms, rule of law, economic integration with the EU, green agenda and gender …
Tags: EU integration, Georgia, Western Balkans
ECHR Received 156 Applications Against Georgia in 2023
In 2023, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) received 156 new applications against Georgia, as disclosed by ECHR statistics released on February 2. This marks an increase from the 150 applications filed in 2022 and the 120 filed in 2021. Source: ECHR In terms of population size, the rate of new applications per 10,000 …
Doctors’ Team Under PD: Saakashvili’s Health Improving, Neurological Condition Unchanged
The group of doctors under the ombudsman of Georgia issued a conclusion on the state of health of the third President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, saying that Saakashvili’s health shows positive dynamics somatically, but cognitive impairment is still a problem. The doctors based their conclusion on the visit to the Vivamedi clinic on January 25. …
Tags: Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, Public Defender's Office
Seven Arrested over Transnational Fraudulent Call Centers
On February 3, the Prosecutor’ Office arrested seven people, the members of the organized crime group, for setting up and organizing the fraudulent call centers. On February 4, the Tbilisi City Court remanded all seven individuals in custody. In its statement, the Prosecutor’s Office says that in order to uncover transnational fraud call centers and …
Tags: call centers, Prosecutor’s Office, Transnational Crime
Two Sentenced in Kekelidze Eviction Case Released
On February 3, the Tbilisi City Court released Giorgi Khasaia and Akaki Chikobava on bail of GEL 3,000 [approximately USD 1125] each. They had previously been sentenced to pre-trial detention for damaging a car belonging to the National Enforcement Bureau during the Kekelidze Street eviction. 26/01/2024 – Students Occupy TSU Chancellery, Call for Release of …
Tags: Akaki Chikobava, Eviction, Giorgi Khasaia
03/02/2024 - 23:25
State Funding for Four Religious Groups Increases
State funding for four religious communities in Georgia: Muslims, Jews, Roman Catholics, and the Armenian Apostolic Church, will increase by GEL 1 million (around USD 375,000) in 2024, from GEL 5.5 million to GEL 6.5 million, the State Agency for Religious Issues reported on February 2. According to the statement, the Agency will decide on …
Tags: Religious minorities, State Budget
Government Program ‘For Building a European State’ Presented to Parliament Bureau
On February 2, the Parliamentary Bureau discussed Georgia’s Government’s future composition and the Governmental program “For Building a European State.” The program focuses, among other things, on continued collaboration with the EU in security and defense, de-occupation efforts and strengthening ties with the US. Special attention is also attributed to strategic cooperation with China. The …
Tags: Georgia, Government of Georgia
The Daily Beat: 2 February
The ruling Georgian Dream PM candidate, Irakli Kobakhidze, submitted his government program – “For Building European State,” to the parliament. Peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, and Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration are outlined as the main priorities of the PM candidate’s government program. Parliament will start the committee …
Tags: Annual Inflation, Death of Georgian fighter in Ukraine, Eviction, Georgian Legion, Joseph Stalin, Matrona of Moscow, Nata Peradze, National Bureau of Enforcement, National Statistics Office, Parliament of Georgia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Tbilisi City Court
Two More Georgian Fighters Killed in Ukraine
Two more Georgians – Zura Tsiklauri and Gocha Zhvania – have been killed in fighting in Ukraine, a military unit “Georgian Legion” made up of mostly ethnic Georgian volunteers fighting on the side of Ukraine, reported on February 1. The Georgian Legion informed Civil.ge that both were Georgian citizens. This was confirmed by the Ministry …
Tags: Georgia, War in Ukraine
02/02/2024 - 15:13
Court of Appeals Remands Two to Pre-trial Detention in Eviction Standoff Case
The attorney of Akaki Chikobava and Giorgi Khasaia, accused of damaging the car of the National Bureau of Enforcement during the Kekelidze eviction, has confirmed to Civil.ge that they were remanded in custody by the Tbilisi Court of Appeals on February 2. Their release now depends only on the Prosecutor’s appeal to the first instance …
Tags: Akaki Chikobava, Eviction, Georgia, Giorgi Khasaia
Civic Activist Nata Peradze Jailed for Defacing Stalin Icon
The Tbilisi City Court sentenced Nata Peradze, civic activist and founder of the “Talgha” (Wave) movement, to five days of administrative detention for throwing paint at the St. Matrona of Moscow icon depicting late Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in Tbilisi’s main Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral. On January 9 in an act of protest, Nata Peradze …
Tags: Matrona of Moscow, Nata Peradze
Georgia’s Annual Inflation at 0.0% in January 2024
Georgia’s annual inflation rate amounted to 0.0% in January 2024, the National Statistics Office (Geostat) reported on February 2. On a monthly basis, meanwhile, consumer prices increased by 0.3%. The annual inflation rate was primarily driven by price changes in miscellaneous goods and services (9.2% increase); transport (4.3% increase); alcoholic beverages and tobacco (3.5% increase); health (3.3% …
The Daily Beat: 1st February
The chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Irakli Kobakhidze, has been officially nominated as PM candidate by the party congress. At the same gathering, former PM Irakli Garibashvili was elected as the party chair, replacing Irakli Kobakhidze in this post. The PM candidate needs parliament’s endorsement, but since the Georgian Dream has a majority, …
Tags: 2024 Parliamentary Elections, Bidzina Ivanishvili, EaP Index, European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Georgian Dream party, Gigi Ugulava, Irakli Chikovani, Irakli Garibashvili, Juansher Burchuladze, Pawel herczynski, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Tadumadze
The European Court of Human Rights Rules in Ugulava vs Georgia Case
On February 1, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that former Mayor of Tbilisi Gigi Ugulava’s right to “independent and impartial tribunal established by law” guaranteed by the Article 6 § 1 of the European Convention of Human Rights was violated by including former Prosecutor General Shalva Tadumadze on Supreme Court bench that …
Tags: European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Gigi Ugulava, Judiciary, Shalva Tadumadze
01/02/2024 - 18:03
Garibashvili’s Three-year Premiership: the Guardian of Self-Serving “Stability”
At a special briefing on January 29, Irakli Garibashvili announced his resignation and said he had accepted an offer to chair the ruling Georgian Dream party. He said he was offered to leave in the summer but “made a decision” to do this now. Citing “internal democracy” in the Georgian Dream party and the practice of “rotation” …
Tags: Georgian Dream, Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili
Page 13 of 767
This post is also available in: ქართული (Georgian) Русский (Russian)