Georgia's Day Marked by Protests, Economic Shifts, and Critical Safety Concerns, Alongside Sporting Triumphs
November 9, 2025
Today, November 9, 2025, Georgia was marked by continued political activity and significant social issues. Protesters once again gathered at the Parliament building following a march, with calls for a sustained 24-hour demonstration on Rustaveli Avenue. This comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings, including the high-profile "sabotage case" where opposition leaders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze were ordered to pay a 1 million GEL bail. Further fueling political discourse, Speaker Shalva Papuashvili voiced criticism of Brussels' recent expansion report, drawing parallels to Soviet-era directives.
Law enforcement agencies reported several significant developments in crime and public safety. The head of the "Crystal Group," Vladimir Stepaniants, was officially charged by the prosecutor's office for large-scale money laundering and the unauthorized construction of five hotel-apartments in Bakuriani. Tragically, a teenager under 15 died after being caught in rubble in Terjola, while another fatal road accident occurred near Kutaisi. Overall, road accidents have claimed 345 lives in the first nine months of the year, with a notable increase in drunk driving incidents. Police also made arrests of individuals connected to the "criminal authority" Elmuraz Mamedov on charges including attempted murder and extortion.
On the economic front, mixed signals were observed. Restaurant spending showed a 29% annual increase in September, with an average transaction of 38 GEL. However, inflation remained a concern, registering 5.2% year-on-year in October, primarily driven by rising food prices that disproportionately affect low-income households. A significant investment project by the Arab company Eagle Hills was announced, planning residential and commercial complexes, hotels, and recreational zones on 590 hectares near the Rustavi-Tbilisi highway. Conversely, foreign media highlighted a potential economic risk for Georgia, suggesting new transport routes between Azerbaijan and Armenia could lead to a 20% loss in transit cargo for the country. Utility services were also affected, with gas supply temporarily suspended for 7600 subscribers in Tbilisi's Isani-Samgori district due to reconstruction.
Georgian athletes brought moments of national pride. The Georgian national rugby team, the Borjgalosnebi, secured a notable 43-30 victory against the USA in a test match held in Batumi. Coach Richard Cockerill and players emphasized the importance of this win for world rankings ahead of the World Cup draw. In European football, Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili delivered a standout performance for Liverpool in a Premier League match against Manchester City, saving a penalty, despite his team's 3-0 loss. MMA news also featured Georgian fighters Ilia Topuria and Giga Chikadze, with discussions around their upcoming bouts and career paths.