Georgia Grapples with Protests and EU Scrutiny Amidst Corruption Allegations
November 3, 2025
Today, November 3, 2025, Georgia witnessed a complex interplay of domestic political tensions, significant developments concerning its European integration aspirations, and persistent economic challenges. The day was largely dominated by reports of ongoing anti-government protests, resulting in several high-profile detentions and drawing sharp criticism regarding the country's democratic trajectory.
Protests on Rustaveli Avenue continued, leading to multiple arrests and judicial proceedings. Among those detained was 71-year-old activist Zaza Chilachava, an IDP, who was sentenced to one day of administrative imprisonment for blocking the road but later released, vowing to continue her protest. Similarly, 61-year-old Zurab Menteshashvili and brothers Giga and Lado Tsibakhashvili received administrative sentences, with the latter two being handed 8-day imprisonments for their participation. Opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria remained in custody after being arrested for marking a mayoral candidate's poster, while journalist Ninia Kakabadze was also reported detained. These actions have sparked condemnation from various figures, including MEP Anita Hippert who criticized Georgia's "repressive regime," and President Salome Zurabishvili who underscored that "diplomacy is not obedience."
The country's European integration faced further scrutiny as a leaked draft of the upcoming EU Expansion Report, set to be published tomorrow, suggested "unprecedented regression" for Georgia. Lawmakers like Maka Bochorishvili have expressed low expectations for a positive assessment. This comes amidst broader international discussions, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirming Ukraine's readiness for EU advancement, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new arms export offices. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump ruled out sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine "at this moment."
Allegations of corruption remained a prominent domestic issue. Investigations continued into former Deputy Infrastructure Minister Koba Gabunia for abuse of power, with concerns raised about the quality of major infrastructure projects, notably the Rikoti Road, in light of these scandals. Transparency International Georgia highlighted alleged schemes by the ruling party involving public funds, and reports surfaced of state property being sold to the church for a symbolic 1 GEL in certain regions. The Batumi Mayor's office faced criticism for a 976,000 GEL tender for New Year decorations.
Economically, Georgia recorded a monthly inflation rate of 0.6% and an annual rate of 5.2% in October 2025. The official exchange rate for the US Dollar stood at 2.7117 GEL. Wheat imports reached a 7-year high, and the cost of new utility connections was noted to be substantial. In a significant international economic shift, Chinese oil refineries reportedly reduced purchases of Russian oil. On a lighter note, Georgian athletes achieved notable successes, with Mariam Murghvliani and Zurab Mskhaladze winning medals in European weightlifting championships, and the men's national handball team securing the Carpathian Cup.