Georgia Navigates Domestic Legal Disputes, Economic Debates, and Heightened Regional Tensions
Today, December 22, 2025, judicial and political developments dominated the Georgian news landscape. Prominently, **Zurab Japaridze**, a leading opposition figure from the 'Girchi - More Freedom' party and the 'Coalition for Change,' was ordered by the Tbilisi City Court to post a **30,000 GEL** bail in a case related to alleged sabotage. He was also required to surrender his passport and identification documents. Japaridze linked these proceedings to his engagement with international organizations. In a related case, **Isako Deividze** received a **30-day** administrative detention sentence for allegedly insulting a police officer during recent protests. Concurrently, President **Salome Zourabichvili** criticized the 'Georgian Dream' ruling party for attempting to blame the European Union, asserting that new visa liberalization mechanisms target officials rather than citizens, while Prime Minister **Irakli Kobakhidze** reiterated his accusations of the EU's 'two-faced policy' towards Georgia's Euro-integration, labeling it a 'blackmail tool.' **Tamar Oniani** was also elected as the new chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (**SAIA**).
Economically, various reports painted a mixed picture. The state budget saw significant revenue from fines, including **2.129 million GEL** from fare evasion and **14.689 million GEL** from 'Tbilisi Parking' violations over eleven months. The official USD exchange rate settled at **2.7015 GEL**. 'IG Development Georgia' successfully issued **$25 million** and **€15 million** in public bonds. However, concerns were raised as the 'Hazelnut Production Promotion Program' was discontinued. New mandatory aesthetic standards for buildings, covering roofs, facades, and fences, are set to take effect on **July 1, 2026**, drawing criticism from developers over potential cost increases. While Prime Minister Kobakhidze highlighted Georgia's impressive **9.8%** average economic growth over the past four years, TBC Capital's forecast for 2026 retrospectively described 2025 as a year of 'severe crisis' marked by protests, political detentions, and corruption scandals.
On the international front, the European Union extended economic sanctions against Russia for another six months, until **July 31, 2026**. Updates from the Ukraine conflict included claims of two Russian Su-27s destroyed in Crimea and other military aircraft at Lipetsk airfield. A Russian general, reportedly involved in the 2008 war against Georgia, was killed in a car bombing in Moscow. Furthermore, **Volodymyr Zelenskyy** confirmed the existence of a 20-point peace plan. Regionally, the transport of Azerbaijani gasoline through Georgia to Armenia was noted, with the fuel expected to be sold at lower prices. In a development concerning Georgian citizens abroad, media reported that **180 foreign nationals**, including Georgians, were deported from Poland in the last week.
Georgian sports brought several highlights. Basketball player **Sandro Mamukelashvili** delivered strong performances in the NBA, notably scoring **24 points** against Boston and **18 points** against Milwaukee. In MMA, **Alexander Topuria** expressed his firm ambition to become a world champion, while his brother **Ilia Topuria** hinted at a potential career transition to boxing after achieving his MMA goals. The Georgian National Olympic Committee recognized fencer **Sandro Bazadze** and judoka **Eter Liparteliani** as the country's best athletes of 2025. Finally, ahead of the festive season, hotels in **Bakuriani** reported nearly **100%** occupancy for New Year's, with Arab and Russian tourists being primary visitors.