TBILISI, September 3 – Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, is weighing whether to push for a ban on the United National Movement (UNM), the party founded by former president Mikheil Saakashvili. The debate follows a lengthy parliamentary investigation led by Vice Speaker Tea Tsulukiani, which portrays the UNM era (2004–2012) as marked by abuses, mismanagement, … Read more
TBILISI, September 1 – Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of playing a direct role in what he called “anti-state activities” and revolutionary processes in the country. Speaking to reporters, Kobakhidze said the matter is now in the hands of investigators and stressed that “everyone is obliged to cooperate with the … Read more
TBILISI, September 1 – Unveiling the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party’s lineup for Tbilisi city assembly, Mayor Kakha Kaladze stressed continuity as he described the past achievements during his eight year tenure. Speaking at the presentation, Kaladze said the team was made up of “experienced, professional and responsible people” who are ready to turn citizens’ … Read more
TBILISI, August 31 – Georgia’s largest opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), claims illegal construction is spreading daily in Bakhmaro, a mountain resort in the west of the country. Levan Khabeishvili, chair of the UNM political council, accused government officials, including the mayor of Chokhatauri, of being behind the activity. He described the destruction … Read more
TBILISI, August 28 – The opposition in Georgia is preparing what it calls a “peaceful revolution” on October 4. The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) warns that an attempt to overthrow the government will be treated as a crime. Activists from the “Rustaveli Avenue” movement, together with Levan Khabeishvili from the United National Movement (UNM), have … Read more
TBILISI, August 24 – Eight Georgian opposition parties met Saturday to discuss a common vision on national security, with Russia’s presence on the country’s northern border looming large in the debate. The meeting was the initiative of the small pro-EU Federalists party, and dealt with what kind of defense strategy Georgia needs in light of … Read more
TBILISI, August 22 – Salome Zourabichvili, Georgia’s fifth president, has re-emerged in public life after a summer pause, appearing at an opposition rally in Tbilisi Friday. The former president hinted she might resume her political activity, but gave no further details. Zourabichvili has tried twice to rally Georgia’s fragmented opposition with joint action plans, first … Read more
TBILISI, August 20 – Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says he is ready to challenge what he calls “biased” criticism from European officials, insisting that Georgia has achieved progress that surpasses even some EU and NATO member states. Some EU leaders have suggested sanctions against Georgia, such as withholding visa-free travel rights, if the government fails … Read more
TBILISI, August 17 – Campaigning in the western town of Kharagauli, Lelo spokesman Grigol Gegelia slammed Georgian Dream’s local officials for wasting public money on what he called “fake jobs.” He pointed to a local cleaning program where more than USD 900,000 went to salaries last year, claiming many of the positions were artificially created … Read more
TBILISI, August 15 – Two of Georgia’s opposition forces – Lelo for Strong Georgia and For Georgia, the party of former prime minister Giorgi Gakharia – have yet to agree on a joint candidate for Tbilisi’s October 4 mayoral election. A recent meeting between Gakharia and Lelo’s secretary general Irakli Kupradze in Berlin has fueled … Read more