DFWatch staff 
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is experiencing a record-breaking year in tourism, according to the government, but some among the industry are wondering why they are not seeing the same trend. With over 2.3 million international tourist visits recorded in the first half of 2025, the country can note a 6.9% increase from the same period in 2024. … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–US Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, who recently announced her retirement, said the tone of a private letter sent to Washington by Georgian Dream leadership was “threatening, insulting, and unserious,” and that it had been very poorly received in the US capital. Dunnigan added that she had spoken with several US senators who expected a sanctions … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The Speaker of Georgia’s Parliament has accused European Union-funded organizations of preparing to disrupt the country’s upcoming local elections. Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said Tuesday that“organizations funded by the EU embassy are preparing to disrupt the local elections.” He further claimed that the groups’s activities amount to a violation of international law and warned … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The former head of the government of Georgia’s autonomous Adjara region remains in a serious but stable condition after being hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the chest. Tornike Rizhvadze’s shooting has triggered a political firestorm in Georgia, with speculation centering on whether it was a suicide attempt. Meanwhile, authorities are awaiting forensic results … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–After months of stable prices, inflation in Georgia is once again on the rise, with food costs driving the sharpest increases. The national inflation rate reached 4% year-on-year in June, up from near-zero levels in late 2024, prompting concern among economists and households alike. Food prices have risen by 10% over the past year … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tensions are escalating within Georgia’s opposition as two parties declared they will participate in the upcoming local elections on October 4. The decision by the parties For Georgia, led by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and Lelo – Strong Georgia have have triggered resignations, internal divisions, and fierce criticism from opposition groups that have … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Tensions are escalating within Georgia’s opposition as two parties declared they will participate in the upcoming local elections on October 4. The decision by the parties For Georgia, led by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and Lelo – Strong Georgia have have triggered resignations, internal divisions, and fierce criticism from opposition groups that have … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The former head of Georgia’s Adjara regional government, Tornike Rizhvadze, remains in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest in what may have been a suicide attempt. Rizhvadze was first hospitalized in Sagarejo before being transferred to a clinic in Tbilisi early Saturday morning. Doctors report that Rizhvadze is on mechanical … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The opposition party “Lelo for Strong Georgia” has announced its decision to participate in the October 4 local elections, splitting from a bloc of parties calling for an electoral boycott. The announcement came days after President Mikheil Kavelashvili offered to pardon jailed opposition leaders, including Lelo founders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, if they … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The opposition party “Lelo for Strong Georgia” has announced its decision to participate in the October 4 local elections, splitting from a bloc of parties calling for an electoral boycott. The announcement came days after President Mikheil Kavelashvili offered to pardon jailed opposition leaders, including Lelo founders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, if they … Read more