Monday, February 9, 2026

Fragmentation among Georgia’s opposition reflects how hastily blocs were formed

TBILISI, DFWatch–One of Georgia’s four opposition blocs appears to be unraveling, exposing the improvisational nature of alliances formed ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections. As analysts note, most of these blocs were built less on ideological coherence than on tactical hopes of unseating the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. The latest crack comes from the … Read more

Fragmentation among Georgia's opposition reflects how hastily blocs were formed

TBILISI, DFWatch–One of Georgia’s four opposition blocs appears to be unraveling, exposing the improvisational nature of alliances formed ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections. As analysts note, most of these blocs were built less on ideological coherence than on tactical hopes of unseating the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. The latest crack comes from the … Read more

U.S. ambassador to Georgia announces retirement, sparking speculation

TBILISI, DFWatch–The unexpected announcement on June 5 that U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan will retire next month has prompted speculation among Georgia’s political camps. Dunnigan emphasized that it was her personal decision to retire and had not been requested by Washington, but members of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party suggested there was a political reason. … Read more

Georgian PM congratulates Poland’s president-elect Karol Nawrocki

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated Karol Nawrocki on his victory in Poland’s presidential election. In a message posted on X, Kobakhidze extended his “heartfelt congratulations” and wished Nawrocki success in advancing Poland’s development and prosperity. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to bilateral ties, stating the country stands ready to deepen cooperation … Read more

Georgian PM congratulates Poland's president-elect Karol Nawrocki

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated Karol Nawrocki on his victory in Poland’s presidential election. In a message posted on X, Kobakhidze extended his “heartfelt congratulations” and wished Nawrocki success in advancing Poland’s development and prosperity. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to bilateral ties, stating the country stands ready to deepen cooperation … Read more

Georgia indicts five in major drug trafficking case

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has charged five individuals with illegal possession and distribution of large and especially large quantities of narcotics, including heroin, cocaine, buprenorphine, and alpha-PVP. The charges follow a Ministry of Internal Affairs investigation, which uncovered and seized the drugs during coordinated operations. The accused face charges under multiple articles of Georgia’s criminal … Read more

Georgia’s opposition divided over local elections boycott

TBILISI, DFWatch–The “Stay Home” campaign, spearheaded by Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the United National Movement’s (UNM) political council, aims to delegitimize the vote by urging voters not to take part. Khabeishvili argues that participation would legitimize the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, which he accuses of authoritarianism under billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili’s influence. But other opposition … Read more

Georgia's 'foreign agents law 2.0' comes into force

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s new ‘FARA’ law took effect on May 31, requiring organizations, media outlets and individuals to register as “agents of a foreign principal” if they engaging in advocacy for foreign actors. Failure to comply could result in fines or up to five years in prison. The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party defends the law … Read more

Georgia will not compromise its sovereignty in pursuit of EU integration, PM Kobakhidze says at CPAC Hungary

TBILISI, DWWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said this in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest, which gathered traditionalist and right-wing leaders across the world. In his speech, Kobakhidze delivered a fervent defense of national sovereignty and traditional values, emphasizing Georgia’s commitment to its Christian heritage and national identity. “We are … Read more

Georgia’s ruling party continues to deliver on poverty reduction

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s official statistics agency has reported a continued decline in poverty, with the national absolute poverty rate dropping to 9.4% in 2024, down from 11.8% in 2023. The improvements span every demographic. Child poverty fell the most sharply (by 4.0 percentage points), and rural areas saw a notable 3.7-point decrease. Urban and gender gaps … Read more