US Sanctions Georgian Judge Amidst EU Scrutiny and Regional Transit Debates
The day's headlines in Georgia were dominated by the United States' decision to impose sanctions on Gocha Lortkipanidze, a Georgian judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The US State Department cited his "illegitimate targeting of Israel" as the basis for these measures. This development quickly became a central point of discussion in Georgia's political and media landscape, signaling heightened international scrutiny on Georgian officials and their roles in global legal frameworks.
Concurrently, Georgia's relationship with the European Union remained a significant topic. Statements from European leaders, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, expressed concern that Georgia was drifting away from its European aspirations, with Kallas explicitly stating support for the Georgian people but not the current government. Georgian ruling party officials, such as Shalva Papuashvili and Mikheil Kavelashvili, countered these criticisms, defending the government's policies, asserting the protection of national interests, and accusing European bureaucracy of interference and of pushing Georgia towards conflict with Russia. The debate was further fueled by opposition figures like Salome Samadashvili, who voiced suspicions that recent Arab investments might serve as a channel for Russian money laundering to circumvent sanctions.
Regional economic and transit dynamics also garnered considerable attention. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan raised concerns regarding Georgia's transit tariffs for fuel supplies from Azerbaijan to Armenia, suggesting that businesses might seek alternative routes if these issues are not resolved. This follows reports of Azerbaijan's state oil company, SOCAR, having already sent the first batch of 1,220 tons of RON95 automotive fuel to Armenia via Georgia by rail. This highlights Georgia's critical role as a transit corridor in the South Caucasus, with regional players closely monitoring its policies and pricing.
Domestically, a range of infrastructure projects and socio-economic issues were in focus. The Ministry of Infrastructure announced that a tender for one section of the Tbilisi bypass road would be launched this year, with construction commencing next year, aiming to significantly reduce travel times. In Kakheti, property expropriation for the Sagarejo road construction sparked local concerns. Economic analyses discussed the banking sector facing slowed demand for funds and stable food prices in the lead-up to the New Year, though future revisions are expected. The ongoing debate about the living wage continued, with experts like Paata Aroshidze suggesting that international standards would classify a substantial portion of the population as impoverished. Meanwhile, protests were reported in front of the Parliament in Tbilisi and the Adjara Government House, reflecting ongoing public dissatisfaction.
Finally, in sports news, Georgian football star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made history by becoming one of five players to win seven titles in a single calendar year with PSG and Napoli. Boxer Alexander Baladze secured a silver medal at the U17 European Championship, contributing to Georgia's total of five medals in the competition, which also saw bronzes for Shalva Beridze, Zaza Mdinardze, Rati Kharbedia, and Hasan Akpinar. Additionally, Georgian mixed martial artist Ilia Topuria announced intentions to pursue boxing after concluding his MMA career, while his brother Alexander Topuria reflected on his successful year in UFC.