TBILISI, DFWatch–The Venice Commission draws an overall positive conclusion about Georgia’s latest constitutional reform in an assessment published Friday, but the Council of Europe experts are still concerned about the lack of consensus among the country’s largest political parties.
Politics
Popular TV host to represent opposition UNM in Tbilisi mayoral race

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s main opposition party is hoping that a popular news anchor will bring it back to power in the politically important position of Tbilisi mayor.
The nomination of Zaal Udumashvili, host of the main news program on Georgia’s largest TV channel Rustavi 2,
TV news anchor may join race for new Tbilisi mayor


TBILISI, DFWatch–A news anchor on Georgia’s biggest private television channel has confirmed that he may run for mayor of Tbilisi as a candidate for the biggest opposition party UNM.
The entry of Zaal Udumashvili, host of the evening news on Rustavi 2,
Public meeting about new constitution interrupted by protests
TBILISI, DFWatch–A public meeting in Tbilisi on Monday to discuss a set of constitutional amendments was interrupted by two different groups of protesters.
The head of the organizing committee now says they will extend the hearing process with a number of extra
Georgian opposition wants referendum about constitutional changes
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian opposition groups said Monday that the country’s democratic development is being reversed unless a set of constitutional amendments is stopped. The groups demand a referendum about the changes.
In a declaration, the opposition listed eight
Georgia inches closer to one-party rule with new draft Constitution

TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is moving closer to one-party rule, opposition groups warn, as a new round of constitutional amendments was approved by a commission on Saturday.
Georgians are no strangers to changing their Constitution, but the latest set of amendments
Georgian MP injured after colleague throws ashtray, hits wrong person

TBILISI, DFWatch–A member of the Georgian parliament was lightly injured on Wednesday, after a verbal and physical confrontation that led to an ashtray being hurled at his face.
Otar Kakhidze was accidentally hit by an ashtray during a confrontation
Georgian president accuses ruling GD of stalling democratic reforms
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili on Friday slammed the governing GD party for dragging its feet on the way to further democratic reforms and claimed there is a ‘crisis’ in the justice system.
The president launched the broadside during
Georgian opposition party will not face charges for planting pot
TBILISI, DFWatch–Members of an opposition party in the former Soviet republic of Georgia will not be prosecuted for planting cannabis in their office on New Year’s Eve because the saplings contained too little of the forbidden narcotic substance.
The New Year’s Eve pot
