Maduro's Arrest, Economic Concerns, and Local Incidents Shape Georgia's News Day
Today, January 5, 2026, international attention remained largely focused on the unfolding events in Venezuela following the arrest of former President Nicolas Maduro. Reports indicate that Maduro, apprehended during a US military operation on January 3, 2026, was transferred from a Brooklyn detention facility to a Manhattan court to face charges. In his first public statement since the arrest, Maduro declared, "I am innocent, a decent person, and still the president of my country." The international community has reacted with varied positions; the European Union stressed the importance of respecting the Venezuelan people's will, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over potential instability. Russia condemned the US actions, and China stated it does not agree with any country acting as a "world judge." Cuba, in solidarity, declared two days of national mourning for military personnel who died in Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump, who had previously implemented a full blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers in December 2025 and reportedly initiated the "successful special operation" in Venezuela, continued to signal broader geopolitical interests, mentioning Greenland and Colombia as future targets. Locally, Georgian political figures offered commentary on the Venezuelan developments. Former President Mikheil Saakashvili drew parallels between Maduro's situation and Georgia's political landscape, while political analyst Gia Khukhashvili discussed the implications of US special operations. Gia Volski from the ruling party stated that the Georgian government's response to the Venezuela crisis was "adequate" given its resources, and Irakli Kadagishvili criticized the opposition for their reactions.
Domestically, the Georgian government is actively addressing economic challenges. A high-level Coordination Commission on Food Prices, established on December 30, 2025, and chaired by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, held its first meeting. Key members include ministers of economy, finance, environment, and health, as well as the head of the State Security Service. This comes as Georgia recorded a monthly inflation rate of -0.2% and an annual inflation of 4% in December 2025. The US Dollar exchange rate was set at 2.6968 GEL. The real estate market also saw significant activity, with 66% of apartments in projects slated for completion in Tbilisi in 2026 already sold. Predictions suggest a substantial increase in land prices, potentially rising by $100,000 for 1000 sq.m. plots within five years.
Several local incidents and administrative updates were also reported. A fire broke out at a car parts market in Samgori, Tbilisi. In Marneuli, a shooting at a gold shop tragically resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man. A man was arrested in Batumi for stabbing his neighbor. Politically, Beka Liluashvili, a prominent member of the "Gakharia for Georgia" party, announced his departure from politics. The government's decision to extend public holidays until January 8, 2026, was confirmed. Furthermore, Georgian Railway announced the resumption of services from Tbilisi to Poti, Zugdidi, and Ozurgeti starting January 9, following a temporary suspension, and severe weather caused flight disruptions at Batumi airport and heavy snow in Svaneti.
Beyond the immediate region, the war in Ukraine continued, with reports of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv causing casualties and damage to a hospital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Kyrylo Budanov as the head of his Presidential Administration as part of ongoing personnel changes. In Iran, protests in December 2025 led to the deaths of over 20 people, including 3 children, and nearly 1000 arrests across 78 cities. Additionally, an Azerbaijani crew member was arrested in Finland in connection with damage to an underwater cable, highlighting concerns about critical infrastructure security.