Georgia Responds to Chemical Weapon Allegations Amidst Policy Reforms and Economic Updates
Today, December 02, 2025, Georgia was dominated by the unfolding controversy surrounding a recent BBC investigation. The report alleges that chemical agents, specifically Bromobenzyl Cyanide (also referred to as "Kamiti"), were used against protesters in Tbilisi. While the Georgian government, including the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has vehemently denied these claims, calling them "lies" and a "terrorist act," civil society organizations and opposition figures are demanding a thorough, independent investigation.
The fallout from the BBC report intensified as the State Security Service (SSS) summoned individuals who participated in the investigation, including prominent physician Konstantin Chakhunashvili and activist Zviad Maisashvili, for questioning. This move has drawn criticism, with some suggesting it is an attempt to discredit the report. In response to the allegations and official reactions, a protest march took place on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Reflecting the gravity of the situation, President Salome Zurabishvili officially appealed to international bodies, including the OPCW, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe, to investigate the potential use of chemical weapons during the protests.
Significant domestic policy changes were also on the agenda. The Ministry of Education announced comprehensive reforms, including a transition to an 11-year schooling system starting from the 2027-2028 academic year, the reintroduction of mandatory school uniforms for grades 1-6, and a ban on mobile phones during school hours. Additionally, the age requirement for first-graders will be tightened to include only children turning 6 by September 15. In a major social policy shift, the state employment program for socially vulnerable individuals, which provided a 300 GEL supplement, will be discontinued from 2026, a decision that has sparked debate.
Economically, various reports offered a mixed picture. SaksiStat revealed that in 2024, crude oil extraction decreased by 8% to 35.8 thousand tons, while coal production saw a 20.1% increase. Electricity generation, however, dropped by 1.1%. The official exchange rate for the US Dollar stood at 2.7015 GEL. On a positive note, Fitch Ratings upgraded its outlook for Georgian banks, and the Black Sea Cable project received "status of mutual interest" from the European Commission, signaling strong European support for the initiative.
In other news, local authorities in Batumi concluded public discussions on the 2026 municipal budget, and the city's mayor met with Israel's Ambassador to Georgia. Internationally, a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner took place in Moscow. Former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini was reportedly arrested in Belgium on fraud charges. Georgian sports continued to see success, with Lasha Bekauri winning judo gold at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, Nika Jakonia claiming an MMA championship title, and the Black Lion rugby team preparing to commence its Challenge Cup season.