Georgian Bar Association Elects New Leadership Amidst Widespread Protests and Economic Scrutiny
The Georgian Bar Association concluded its elections today, with Irakli Kandashvili announced as the new head. This development occurred amidst a backdrop of ongoing political and social activity, including significant student-led protests in Tbilisi under the slogan "Freedom begins with education." Similar demonstrations took place near the Parliament and in Batumi, while supporters of former President Mikheil Saakashvili rallied at Rustavi Prison, underscoring persistent public discontent with various government actions.
Adding to the political discourse, actor Andro Chichinadze publicly stated he would not sign any pardon-related documents. Concurrently, Giorgi Rukhadze raised concerns about a potential suspension of the visa-free regime for diplomatic passports, warning it could extend to the entire country in the coming months. On the international front, statements regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict were noted; NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attributed the war's continuation to Vladimir Putin, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russia to recognize the imperative of ending the conflict.
Economically, new data today offered insights into public welfare. According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central areas of Georgia is $538.57, positioning the country 71st globally among its neighbors. The subsistence minimum saw a modest increase of 26 GEL over the past year, reaching 288.40 GEL, a figure criticized by Parliamentary Faction Chairman Shalva Kereselidze as inadequate. In a positive cultural note, Georgian cuisine was ranked 21st among the world's best by TasteAtlas for 2025-2026. However, public health statistics revealed that respiratory diseases were the most prevalent ailment among children under 14 in 2024, affecting 221,400.
Law enforcement agencies reported several significant actions. Four individuals were arrested for defrauding a cryptocurrency ATM company by using fake blanks, resulting in 8,000 GEL in damages. Separately, one person was apprehended for stealing from a monastery offering box in Surami, an individual previously implicated in similar acts. A suspect was also detained in connection with a stabbing incident involving a minor in Batumi. Enhancing public safety, the Department of Roads announced new traffic regulations, including differentiated speed limits of 80 km/h on specific highway sections, with enforcement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs commencing on December 22.
In sports, Georgian athletes continued to garner attention. Basketball player Sandro Mamukelashvili showcased a strong performance with 24 points for the Toronto Raptors. The Georgian Olympic Committee named fencer Sandro Bazadze and judoka Eter Liparteliani as the country's best athletes of 2025. In international football, Kylian Mbappé notably equaled Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid. Meanwhile, local New Year festivities are in full swing in Batumi, which recently lit its main Christmas tree and approved a 2026 budget of 570 million GEL.