Georgia Debates Chemical Agent Allegations, Faces Economic Headwinds, and Readies for International Sports Stage
Today, December 3, 2025, Georgia's political landscape was dominated by the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged use of chemical agents against protestors in 2024. Following a recent BBC investigation, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed that a "certain substance" was mixed into water cannons during the dispersal of protests but vehemently denied it was the prohibited chemical "Camit," claiming further analysis would clarify the matter. Conversely, opposition figures, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili, announced plans to appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into the government's actions, while civil society representatives and involved individuals, such as Eka Gigauri and doctors who treated affected protestors, were summoned by the State Security Service (SSS) for questioning regarding their statements to the BBC.
Economically, Georgia is navigating a mixed environment. The annual inflation rate in November 2025 stood at 4.8%, with notable price increases in fruits (16.9%), oil (14.9%), and bread (13.6%). Meanwhile, certain products like vegetables and electronics saw price decreases. The real estate market in Batumi experienced a significant annual price increase of 16.5% in October 2025, with the average price per square meter reaching $1,283. Auto importers reported selling vehicles below cost due to competition from Central Asian markets. The Georgian National Bank announced the official exchange rate for the US Dollar at 2.7010 GEL.
Domestic policy discussions largely revolved around proposed educational reforms. The government plans to transition to an 11-year schooling system, with an optional 12th grade for those pursuing higher education. These reforms, alongside proposals for mandatory school uniforms, faced criticism, with some arguing that such measures are a "mockery" when many children are hungry. In other local news, Batumi Municipality announced the start of construction for the "Ambassador Island Batumi" multifunctional complex and highlighted public discussions regarding the city's 2026 budget. Kutaisi International Airport also launched direct flights to Venice.
On the international front, the European Union approved a plan to completely phase out Russian natural gas imports by 2027 and is considering adding Russia to its list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing. Diplomatic activity saw Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy preparing for new meetings in the United States, while the NATO Secretary-General reiterated the alliance's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The US Senate notably blocked the inclusion of the "MEGOBARI Act" in the National Defense Authorization Act, a legislative initiative aimed at strengthening US-Georgia ties.
Georgian sports stars made headlines today. Mixed Martial Arts fighter Merab Dvalishvili is set to defend his UFC championship belt in a rematch against Petr Yan on December 7, marking the final Pay-Per-View event before a significant shift in UFC's broadcasting model. Football sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was nominated in two categories for the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards, including "Best Forward" and "Best Player." Additionally, the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup placed the Georgian national team in a challenging Group B alongside reigning champions South Africa, Italy, and Romania. In Turkish football, Shota Arveladze departed from his coaching role at Kasimpasa after a difficult start to the season.