Georgia Monitors Venezuela Crisis Amidst Domestic Incidents and Weather Disruptions
International headlines on January 4, 2026, were dominated by the unfolding situation in Venezuela, following reports of President Nicolas Maduro's alleged capture by US forces. Former US President Donald Trump claimed success in the operation, stating Maduro and his wife were apprehended and removed from the country. The New York Times, citing a Venezuelan official, reported at least 40 casualties from the US action. The Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing close observation of the events, hoping for a resolution in the best interests of the Venezuelan people. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili also commented, emphasizing the inevitable end of dictatorships, while international figures like US Senator Marco Rubio, Pope Leo XIV, and officials from China, Canada, and Germany also weighed in on the developments.
Domestically, several critical incidents were reported across Georgia. In Marneuli, a shooting incident at a gold shop resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man, with another individual sustaining injuries. Separately, law enforcement in Batumi announced the detention of a person for allegedly stabbing a neighbor. The day also saw the passing of politician Irakli Shikhiashvili.
Severe weather conditions significantly impacted transportation infrastructure. Batumi International Airport experienced considerable disruptions, leading to the cancellation of several flights due to strong winds. Georgian Railway announced the suspension of most mainline and suburban train services for January 3rd and 4th, attributing this to adverse meteorological conditions, with only the Tbilisi-Batumi-Tbilisi route remaining operational. Road restrictions were also implemented on various sections of the national highway network.
The nation observed the 93rd birthday of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II. Numerous political and public figures, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Georgian Dream party chairman Irakli Kobakhidze, extended their congratulations, highlighting his spiritual leadership. Economically, public sector employees, including those in primary healthcare, police, and the military, received a 10% salary increase effective January 1, 2026. The free program for systemic land registration concluded, and global gold prices reportedly surged by 64% over the past year. Furthermore, a study revealed that 12% of surveyed Georgian men consume wine daily, while Tbilisi's standing in global crime and traffic indices was also noted.