Sunday, December 14, 2025

EU threatens to suspend visa-free entry rights for Georgian citizens

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

Former Adjara leader's shooting still a mystery

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

Former Adjara leader’s shooting still a mystery

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

'We don't see a tourism boom' – Georgia's hotel and restaurant owners question 7% growth claim

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

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador says Georgia's GD government sent Washington 'threatening' letter

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

Georgian parliament speaker accuses EU-funded groups of undermining elections

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

Questions swirl after former Adjara leader shot in the chest

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

Low-income families hurt most by rising inflation in Georgia

TBILISI, DFWatch–After months of stable prices, inflation in Georgia is once again on the rise, with food costs driving the sharpest increases. The national inflation rate reached 4% year-on-year in June, up from near-zero levels in late 2024, prompting concern among economists and households alike. Food prices have risen by 10% over the past year … Read more

Two opposition parties decide to participate in Georgia’s upcoming elections, triggering resignations

TBILISI, DFWatch–Tensions are escalating within Georgia’s opposition as two parties declared they will participate in the upcoming local elections on October 4. The decision by the parties For Georgia, led by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and Lelo – Strong Georgia have have triggered resignations, internal divisions, and fierce criticism from opposition groups that have … Read more

Two opposition parties decide to participate in Georgia's upcoming elections, triggering resignations

TBILISI, DFWatch–Tensions are escalating within Georgia’s opposition as two parties declared they will participate in the upcoming local elections on October 4. The decision by the parties For Georgia, led by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, and Lelo – Strong Georgia have have triggered resignations, internal divisions, and fierce criticism from opposition groups that have … Read more