Georgian Parliament Enacts Restrictive Laws Amid Diplomatic Strain; National Sports Focus on Football Setbacks and MMA Triumphs
October 16, 2025
Today, October 16, 2025, Georgia experienced significant political developments as the Parliament swiftly adopted a series of controversial legislative amendments. These new laws introduce stricter penalties for actions during protests, including imprisonment for wearing masks, blocking roads, or possessing pyrotechnics. Additionally, legislation was passed enabling the annulment of political parties and banning their members from future political activity. Another amendment prohibits individuals convicted of financial crimes from leaving the country indefinitely unless they fully compensate for damages.
These legislative moves have intensified domestic and international tensions. The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Elina Valtonen, who is also Finland's Foreign Minister, was fined 5000 GEL by the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs for allegedly "artificially blocking a road" during a recent protest. This incident prompted a formal protest note from Georgia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to OSCE member states, accusing Valtonen of interfering in internal affairs. President Salome Zurabishvili sharply criticized the fine, labeling it a "Georgian nightmare" that silences citizens and intimidates diplomats. Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze also issued strong condemnations of Valtonen's actions, with Kaladze controversially referring to protesters as "Akatsuki." In response, Valtonen extended an invitation to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to visit Finland, offering to arrange meetings with free media and opportunities to observe a demonstration of his choice.
In the world of Georgian sports, the national football team is grappling with recent setbacks. Following disappointing losses to Spain and Turkey in World Cup qualifiers, players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Otar Kiteishvili, along with coach Willy Sagnol, acknowledged a loss of "spark" since their European Championship participation. The team is now preparing for a crucial rematch against Spain on November 15. Meanwhile, Dinamo Tbilisi received congratulations from Ajax Amsterdam on its 100th anniversary, with a legends match between the two clubs scheduled for October 19.
Georgian fighters continue to make headlines in combat sports. Merab "The Machine" Dvalishvili, the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion, is set to defend his title against Petr Yan on December 7 in Las Vegas. A victory would mark his fourth title defense in a single calendar year, a UFC first. Fellow Georgian MMA fighter Bidzina Gavashelashvili is also preparing for a Brave CF fight on October 18, with his sights set on a future UFC championship. Beyond combat sports, Nikoloz Basilashvili advanced to the 1/8 finals of the Brussels Open in tennis, and Viktor Sanikidze, President of the Georgian Basketball Federation, was appointed head of the FIBA Champions League Competition Committee, highlighting Georgia's growing influence in international basketball administration.