Georgian Parliament's Electoral Reforms Spark Domestic Uproar; Ukraine Peace Process and Economic Moves in Focus
Today, November 25, 2025, Georgia witnessed significant internal political developments, primarily centered around amendments to the Electoral Code. The Parliament, in its first reading, approved a new version of the code that, controversially, would eliminate polling stations abroad for emigrants in parliamentary elections. This decision, backed by 76 votes against 9, has ignited widespread public opposition. Protests are underway in Tbilisi and Batumi, with activists, teachers, and professors planning a large demonstration on November 28 to oppose the government's stance, particularly its perceived rejection of Euro-integration. In a related political move, Parliament also abolished the Business Ombudsman's office, transferring its functions to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development starting January 1, 2026.
On the international front, the ongoing peace efforts for Ukraine were a prominent topic. US President Donald Trump stated that an agreement is "very close," while CBS News reported that Ukraine has agreed to a US-proposed peace plan. However, the White House indicated that "several delicate but not insurmountable" details still require negotiation. European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, reiterated the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russia and continuing support for Ukraine. US Senator Jeanne Shaheen cautioned against underestimating Russia, referencing its past actions in Georgia in 2008 and Crimea in 2014. Domestically, the ruling Georgian Dream party responded to criticism from the NATO Secretary General, asserting that national interests should not be sacrificed.
The Georgian economy saw mixed signals and new legislative changes. Bank deposits in October 2025 rose to 65.57 billion GEL, a 0.02% increase from the previous month, with outstanding bank loans also growing to 68.03 billion GEL. The dollar's official exchange rate stood at 2.7052 GEL. In legislative action, Parliament supported changes to the Tax Code, notably increasing the fixed excise tax on imported cigarettes from 1.9 GEL to 2.75 GEL to promote local production and boost state revenue. Additionally, fines for traffic violations are set to increase. On the trade front, Georgian laurel exports experienced a significant 42% decrease year-on-year for January-October 2025. Meanwhile, rent prices in Tbilisi saw a 12% decrease in October compared to the previous year.
Georgian sports garnered attention with both achievements and controversies. Football star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia held a press conference ahead of a Champions League match, reflecting on his performance and the challenges of playing in Liga 1. MMA fighters Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili were recognized among the top global talents, with Topuria discussing potential high-profile fights. The Georgian judo team demonstrated exceptional performance, securing 14 medals and claiming first place in the overall team standings at the Cadet European Cup in Thessaloniki. However, the sports community also faced a setback as wrestler Zurab Datunashvili was stripped of his World Championship gold and Olympic bronze medals due to a doping evasion charge. Separately, the 876 million GEL tender for a new stadium in Tbilisi was cancelled.
Local governance also saw activity, with public discussions commencing in Batumi and Kutaisi on their respective 2026 budget projects. Batumi continues to grapple with urban development issues, including scrutiny over alleged "Arab investments" and questions surrounding an "artificial island" project. Social concerns emerged with reports of poor conditions in Gldani prison and the Ombudsman highlighting persistent challenges of violence against women, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.