Controversial Electoral Reforms and Institutional Overhauls Spark Political Debate in Georgia
Today's political landscape in Georgia was largely dominated by a controversial initiative from the ruling Georgian Dream party to amend the electoral code. The proposed changes aim to restrict Georgian citizens residing abroad from casting their votes in elections from outside the country. This move has drawn significant criticism, with President Salome Zurabishvili denouncing it as an affront to emigrants and stating that any small country should cherish its diaspora. Opposition figures echoed these sentiments, labeling the decision as an attempt to suppress votes unfavorable to the ruling party, while the government maintains it is to strengthen national sovereignty.
Further internal political shifts include the announced dissolution of several key governmental bodies. The Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Personal Data Protection Service are slated for liquidation by March 1, 2026, with their functions potentially transferred to other agencies like the State Audit Office. Additionally, the office of the Business Ombudsman will be abolished from January 1, 2026. These changes, presented by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, have sparked concerns among critics who fear a weakening of oversight mechanisms. Another notable initiative involves the abolition of the temporary administrative-territorial unit for the former South Ossetian Autonomous Region, a move that has been met with varied interpretations regarding its implications for territorial integrity.
The proposed reforms and institutional changes triggered public discontent, leading to protests in Tbilisi, particularly near the Parliament. Participants voiced strong opposition to what they perceive as an erosion of democratic principles and an attempt to consolidate power. Leading political figures and analysts, such as Gia Khukhashvili, suggested that the government's moves are driven by a desire to avoid snap elections in 2026, while others, like Giorgi Kobulia, warned of potential harm despite the limited statistical impact of emigrant votes on the ruling party.
In international news relevant to Georgia, the EU Council approved new rules for suspending visa-free travel, a development closely watched amidst concerns about Georgia's alignment with European standards. Danish Minister for European Affairs notably commented that Georgia is drifting further away from the European Union. Elsewhere, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a significant defense agreement, including the acquisition of 100 Rafale fighter jets, bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Reports also emerged of an unprecedented act of sabotage on a railway line in Poland crucial for supplying Ukraine, indicating ongoing regional instability.
On the economic front, the US Dollar official exchange rate was reported at 2.7080 GEL. Projections from Galt & Taggart anticipate Georgia's economy to grow by 7.5% in 2025 and 6% in 2026. Business news included Emirates Airlines signing an unprecedented sponsorship deal with Georgian UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, including unlimited business class flights and $2 million annually. Additionally, TBC Bank was recognized for the eighth consecutive time by Global Finance as the best provider of currency exchange services in Georgia. Other news covered the launch of Carrefour's large appliance and furniture sales on Wolt and air pollution concerns in Tbilisi.