DFWatch staff 
TBILISI, October 5 – Georgia’s prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned harsh consequences after last night’s violent protest, branding it as an “attempted coup,” and said it could give grounds for banning the largest opposition party. The night saw chaos and confrontation after precincts had closed in an election that gave the ruling Georgian Dream party … Read more
TBILISI, October 4 – A large opposition rally in Tbilisi called for the arrest of the prime minister and other government members in the evening of local elections, as protesters tore down barriers and tried to enter the presidential residence. The protest was organized by the movement Rustaveli Avenue, led by opera star Paata Burchuladze … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Police in Georgia have provided new details about a violent clash that took place near Tbilisi’s Metekhi Bridge late Wednesday evening, leaving the youth opposition leader Igor Narmania injured. The incident occurred less than 24 hours before the country’s local elections, which are taking place on the background of a tense … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the resolution passed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), calling it “another attack on the Georgian people.” Speaking one day after the PACE vote, Kobakhidze said the resolution revealed the “serious problems” in Europe’s bureaucracy and that it includes passages that … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Tensions flared in Georgia’s capital on the eve of crucial local elections after violence broke out near Metekhi Bridge, leaving two people injured, including a youth leader from the opposition United National Movement (UNM). Igor Narmania, head of UNM’s youth wing, was preparing to make a public statement with fellow activists … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR is expanding its fuel terminal on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, a move that will strengthen the energy link from the Caspian to Europe. SOCAR’s Kulevi terminal, which has operated since 2008, has submitted environmental documents to Georgian authorities for the addition of four new cylindrical steel … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Russia has become Georgia’s third-largest trading partner this year, with bilateral turnover reaching USD 1.7 billion between January and August, according to official data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia (GeoStat). The figure marks a 4.3% increase compared to last year and accounts for 10.5% of Georgia’s overall trade. Imports … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – On the eve of Georgia’s local elections, parts of the opposition are promising what they call a “peaceful revolution.” The dramatic language has raised tensions in Tbilisi, where analysts warn that the country may be heading for a confrontation with echoes from its turbulent past. According to Rezonansi, opposition organizers initially … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Tbilisi drivers often grumble about getting stuck in traffic, but the head of Georgian Taxi Federation insists the capital’s gridlock is nothing compared to other big cities. Zurab Agladze, founder of the federation, told BPN that licensed taxi drivers with modern, registered cars have a major advantage: they can use the … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – With just two days to go before Georgia’s local elections, mayoral candidates in Tbilisi went head-to-head in a fiery televised debate Thursday night that showcased the country’s deep political divides. The debate, broadcast on the public broadcaster’s Channel 1, brought together nine registered candidates, including incumbent mayor and ruling Georgian Dream … Read more