Georgian Parliament Enacts Key Laws and Budget Amidst Human Rights Concerns and Diplomatic Scrutiny
The Georgian Parliament concluded a busy legislative day by giving final approval to the 2026 State Budget. This comprehensive financial document sets the framework for the country's economic and social policies for the upcoming year, notably including increased salaries for public sector employees and pensions.
Alongside the budget, Parliament also passed several highly debated laws. These include significant reforms to the higher education system, which will notably end state grants for private university students and empower the Police Academy to issue higher education diplomas. Additionally, new restrictions on public gatherings were approved, extending limitations to protests held in pedestrian zones. These legislative moves have drawn strong reactions, with President Salome Zurabishvili and leading civil society organizations like SAIA and SJC describing 2025 as a “year of systemic repression” and “restricted freedoms.”
In economic policy, the government announced a decision to write off one billion Georgian Lari in accrued fines for companies operating in the energy sector, aiming to provide a “second chance” for investors in renewable energy projects. Pensions are also set to increase from January 2026, with age-based pensions rising to 370 GEL and those for individuals over 70 years old reaching 495 GEL. Furthermore, the government is proceeding with plans to construct a “Government City” on Arsenal Mountain in Chughureti, aiming to consolidate various state agencies.
On the international front, diplomatic engagements saw European leaders Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Keir Starmer hold telephone discussions with Donald Trump. Domestically, a notable controversy emerged regarding the husband of Georgia's Ambassador to the US, Tamar Taliashvili, reportedly providing legal assistance to sanctioned Russian businessmen. In a significant judicial development, Judge Vladimir Khuchua reportedly suspended proceedings in several cases under his review and appealed to the Constitutional Court, in what appears to be a challenge against certain new legislation.
The day also featured sports highlights: Gori Dila claimed victory in the David Kipiani Cup. In international football, Georgian striker Giorgi Mikautadze was in action for Villarreal, while Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti drew comparisons involving Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Mixed Martial Arts news included Merab Dvalishvili discussing future plans after a recent fight, and an upcoming bout was announced for Giga Chikadze.