DFWatch staff 
TBILISI, DFWatch–Rising tensions between Russia and its South Caucasus neighbors are approaching the level of a “trade war”, but one that appears to have brought unexpected benefits for Georgia. In June, Georgia recorded its highest monthly export figure ever. According to official statistics, exports rose 10.2% year-on-year to USD 639 million, with total trade turnover … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into Mtavari Arkhi, one of the opposition’s most effective television channels, just two months after it permanently ceased broadcasting due to financial difficulties. The Prosecutor General’s Office said the probe targets alleged “abuse of managerial authority”, “embezzlement”, and “money laundering” by company executives. The investigation was triggered … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Two Georgian opposition parties, ‘For Georgia’ and ‘Lelo – Strong Georgia’, have decided to join forces ahead of the country’s October 4 local elections. The two parties signed what they called a memorandum of cooperation, aiming to agree on “a non-partisan neutral candidate for mayor” and align on either majoritarian or joint party-list runs. … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–The European Union has issued its starkest warning yet to Tbilisi: fulfill key democratic conditions or face suspension of visa-free travel. The ultimatum, delivered by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, puts unprecedented pressure on Georgia’s ruling party just months ahead of local elections. “All options are on the table, including suspension of the … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–A growing wave of speculation is surrounding the case of Tornike Rizhvadze, the former head of government in Georgia’s Adjara region, who is currently recovering in a Turkish hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. As official channels await the outcome of an investigation, opposition figures and political commentators allege a web … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–A growing wave of speculation is surrounding the case of Tornike Rizhvadze, the former head of government in Georgia’s Adjara region, who is currently recovering in a Turkish hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. As official channels await the outcome of an investigation, opposition figures and political commentators allege a web … Read more
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