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
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
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
TBILISI, DFWatch-–Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, has declined a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan, explaining that he would not be free to represent the country’s interests while under sanctions. Dunnigan had sought to deliver a message from the Trump administration regarding the reset in U.S.-Georgia relations, following … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch-–The European Commission today announced its new Black Sea Strategy. The plan envisages enhanced cooperation among littoral states, including members Romania and Bulgaria, and non-members Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The initiative pledges €1.7 billion in funding for infrastructure, security, and other projects. Maritime Security Hub: Aims to protect infrastructure, de-mine waters, and address environmental … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Dream (GD) hailed a congratulatory letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to President Mikheil Kavelashvili, interpreting it as the definitibve answer to which side of the political divide he supports after months of uncertainty. The letter, released on May 26 to mark Georgia’s Independence Day, expressed Washington’s commitment to “peaceful and productive relations” … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Frustration is mounting among Armenian alcoholic beverage exporters as their trucks carrying cognac and spirits are being stopped and checked while transiting Georgia en route to Russia, prompting diplomatic exchanges between Yerevan and Tbilisi. On May 13, Armenian beverage producers demonstrated outside the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan, alleging that Georgian authorities were deliberately hindering … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Despite deepening polarization, this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Tbilisi passed without major disruptions. Commentators credited careful planning and the physical separation of events with avoiding incidents, as the country remains engulfed in a deep political crisis where opposition leaders still, 212 days after the election, and with 180 days of continuous rallies, refuse … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–As Georgia prepares for its Independence Day celebrations, official guests will be faced with a tricky question: Whose celebration to attend? The opposition’s or the government’s? Or both? Which event foreign dignitaries choose to attend could signal their stance on Georgia’s deepening political crisis. After 235 days of protests bolstered by Western governments, the … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–British journalist Will Neal, who has been a resident of Georgia since 2022, was denied re-entry into the country on May 20 after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom and the European Union. Neal was turned away at the Armenian-Georgian border without a clear explanation, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which … Read more