Georgia Contends with Critical EU Report, Major Crime Crackdown, and Domestic Unrest on November 5, 2025
November 5, 2025
November 5, 2025, saw significant developments across Georgia's political, economic, and social landscapes, underscored by a critical assessment from the European Commission regarding the country's EU accession progress. The report highlighted "limited progress" and persistent "structural weaknesses" in Georgia's business environment, citing factors like political instability, judicial inefficiency, and exchange rate volatility. Notably, it also pointed to a lack of progress in strengthening the independence of the National Bank. Georgian officials swiftly responded, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze describing the situation in European bureaucracy as "tragic" and accusing it of operating on "Soviet standards" while attempting to reinstall radical opposition. Foreign Minister Maka Bochoriashvili dismissed the report's conclusions as "completely divorced from reality." Amidst these exchanges, the EU also presented Armenia with a visa liberalization action plan.
Domestically, law enforcement was highly active, executing a major operation against the so-called "thieves' world," resulting in the detention of 34 individuals. The operation also led to a fatality, Mirza Aliev, identified as a former Lagodekhi council member, during an exchange of fire that left one special forces officer wounded. Separately, several individuals were arrested during protests, primarily for blocking Rustaveli Avenue. Among them were philologist Rusudan Kobakhidze, poet Paata Shamugia (sentenced to 5 days of administrative detention), and activist Anna Gamsakhurdia (2 days). The arrest of journalist Ninia Kakabadze prompted an "alarm signal" from the Council of Europe's Platform for the Safety of Journalists, criticizing restrictions on media during protests. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also initiated an investigation into an alleged group assault on activist doctor Giorgi Akhobadze.
Economically, Georgia received positive news regarding its passport, ranked as the "strongest in the region" by the Henley Passport Index 2025, offering visa-free travel to 123 countries and placing 46th globally. The National Bank of Georgia announced that economic activity is gradually returning to long-term growth rates, with inflation projected at 4% in 2025 and 3.5% in 2026, keeping the refinancing rate unchanged at 8%. This decision reportedly safeguards 222,640 borrowers from changes in their monthly loan payments. Tourism revenues saw a 6.6% increase in the third quarter, driven by emerging markets like China, India, and Uzbekistan, alongside traditional European, Azerbaijani, and Israeli markets, despite a decrease in visitors from Russia. Meanwhile, infrastructure projects like hiking trails between Borjomi and Bakuriani, and the second phase of the Batumi-Sarpi road rehabilitation, are moving forward.
Local governance saw some shifts, with Batumi welcoming Giorgi Tsintsadze as its new mayor, while in Kutaisi, four members from the ruling "Georgian Dream" party resigned from the City Council. Public health concerns were raised by reports of a scabies outbreak in schools and kindergartens in Ozurgeti and Kutaisi, although the Disease Control Center stated it's an annual occurrence with no alarming increase. In a notable development within the Georgian Orthodox Church, Archimandrite Ilia Toloraia was prohibited from performing priestly duties by Patriarch Ilia II, prompting the Archimandrite to request a meeting with the Patriarch. Furthermore, the issue of rapid passportization persisted, with 3,587 individuals granted Georgian citizenship in 2024, a significant portion (2,361) being Russian citizens.
On the international front, global geopolitical tensions were evident. Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov proposed preparations for nuclear tests in the Barents Sea, a move that followed the US's test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Minuteman III. Russian officials also commented on Donald Trump's statements regarding nuclear tests. Attacks by drones were reported on Russian energy facilities in several regions. Separately, North Korea reportedly sent 5,000 military builders and 1,000 deminers to Russia, according to South Korean intelligence. These developments highlight a day of complex internal dynamics and keen international observation for Georgia.