DFWatch staff 
TBILISI, October 2 – Tbilisi City Hall has rejected a request from Paata Burchuladze, founder of the “Rustaveli Avenue” movement, to install four stages in the city center for a mass rally planned on Election Day, October 4. In his application submitted on September 29, Burchuladze asked to place stages at four central sites: Freedom … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Georgia’s state-owned Enguri hydropower plant lost 45 million lari (about 16 million US dollars) in revenue last year by supplying free electricity to residents of Abkhazia, according to a Finance Ministry report attached to the draft 2026 state budget. The losses are not new. In 2023, the figure reached 40 million … Read more
As Georgia heads into local elections on October 4, what should have been a routine exercise in self-government has instead become wrapped in national-level polarization, radical rhetoric, and competing visions of the country’s future, according to Ramaz Sakvarelidze, in a recent interview with Interpressnews. “Today there is more polarization and more inadequacy than is typical … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Court hearings at Tbilisi City Court resumed Tuesday afternoon after the building was evacuated due to a bomb threat. Officials said explosives experts and sniffer dogs inspected the courthouse before allowing lawyers, staff, and the public back inside. The evacuation halted proceedings for several hours. The interruption came during the trial … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Unfortunately, every time I appear before you, the situation in Georgia is getting worse, Tina Bokuchava said today at a gathering of the European People’s Party (EPP) political group in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Bokuchava, who is one of the leaders of Georgia’s United National Movement (UNM), … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Tbilisi City Court was evacuated on Tuesday after a bomb threat was phoned in, halting all hearings and sealing off the main entrance. Police and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, according to local reports. Proceedings in every courtroom were suspended as officers moved staff, lawyers, and visitors outside the … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Georgia has introduced tougher requirements for drivers seeking licenses to operate large vehicles with trailers. As of October 1, candidates applying for CE and DE categories, covering heavy trucks and buses with trailers, as well as the C1E and D1E subcategories, must pass a new two-stage practical exam. Holders of regular … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Georgia has introduced stricter rules for foreigners who violate the country’s residency and immigration laws. The new measures take effect from today. Under the changes, foreigners who overstay their permitted period face fines ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 lari (about 350 to 1,050 US dollars) and will be banned from re-entering … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Starting October 1, Georgia has placed the wholesale distribution of psychotropic medicines and other pharmaceuticals under direct state control. According to the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons, Labour, Health and Social Affairs, the change means only the state will be allowed to import and distribute medications subject to special regulation, including … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Starting today, Russian customs has introduced a new booking system for trucks crossing the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgia–Russia border. The system requires truck drivers to reserve a specific date and time before arriving at the terminal. Reservations can be made through the state electronic documentation portal, and the process … Read more