Georgian PM Tackles Food Prices, Ex-Security Chief Detained, Athletes Shine
Today, Georgia's news cycle was dominated by a mix of political controversy, significant legal developments, and notable achievements in sports. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's strong stance on high food prices and the subsequent investigation launched by the State Security Service (SSS) garnered widespread attention. Concurrently, the legal process surrounding the arrest of former SSS head Grigol Liluashvili continued to unfold, drawing sharp reactions from political figures.
The issue of food prices became a central point of discussion after Prime Minister Kobakhidze asserted that exorbitant markups by distributors and retailers, averaging 86% from the border to the shelf, were to blame. He called for law enforcement to investigate potential criminal activity. In response, the SSS announced it had initiated a study into food prices, signaling potential interventions. This move, however, was met with criticism from economists and opposition figures like Vakhtang Bezhitashvili, who called it 'business terror' or 'authoritarianism,' attributing high prices to inflation and weak local production rather than cartel agreements. President Salome Zurabishvili also weighed in, highlighting concerns over the government's approach to market regulation.
In a significant legal development, former head of the State Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili, was remanded in custody following his arrest yesterday. The court's decision was made in a closed session, a move contested by his lawyer, who stated that Liluashvili intends to speak publicly once he has reviewed the case materials. The prosecution, however, indicated that Liluashvili has not yet provided any information to the investigation. Separately, civil activist Tamar Mearakishvili was sentenced to two months of pre-trial detention in occupied Tskhinvali on espionage charges, with reports indicating she has commenced a hunger strike in protest. Furthermore, the US announced a grant of over $10 million in defense-related goods to Georgia's Ministry of Defense, reinforcing bilateral security cooperation.
Economically, several infrastructure projects were highlighted. Tbilisi's 2026 budget allocates 30 million GEL for a 7.5 km tram line from Big Digomi to Didube metro, alongside 14 million GEL for replacing dilapidated housing and 95.767 million GEL for road infrastructure. Prime Minister Kobakhidze also confirmed that railway modernization efforts would reduce the Tbilisi-Batumi train journey by half an hour by summer 2026. On the local level, Batumi's 2026 budget was approved at 570 million GEL, and Kutaisi also finalized its budget. Progress on Batumi's Ambassador Island project was reported at 50% completion, and the Anaklia Naval Port was transferred to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.
Georgian athletes continued to make international headlines with outstanding performances. UFC fighters Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria were celebrated for their 2025 achievements, with Dvalishvili recognized as 'Fighter of the Year' by multiple platforms despite a recent loss, and Topuria ending the year as a two-division champion. NBA player Sandro Mamukelashvili also showed strong form with impressive point totals. The Ministry of Sports announced its 2025 awards, recognizing top athletes and teams, including Sandro Bazadze and Eter Liparteliani as male and female athletes of the year, respectively. Footballers like Giorgi Tsitaishvili and young talent Andria Bartishvili are also attracting attention from European clubs, underscoring a strong year for Georgian sports.