DFWatch staff 
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
TBILISI, October 1 – Georgia’s Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), one of the country’s most prominent civil society groups, has filed a new complaint with the Constitutional Court against the recently adopted “Law on Grants.” The organization said it is challenging Article 61 of the law, which in September gave the Anti-Corruption Bureau broad authority to … Read more
TBILISI, October 1 – Georgia exported 2,900 tons of hazelnuts worth 24.7 million US dollars between August 1 and September 28 this year. Compared to the same period in 2024, the export value jumped by 36 percent, or 6.6 million dollars. The average export price for this one of the country’s most important export articles … Read more