Former Deputy Health Minister Arrested, Education Reform Unveiled Amidst Economic Pressures and Diplomatic Scrutiny
Today's news in Georgia was marked by significant developments in legal and social policy. Ilia Ghudushauri, former Deputy Minister of Health, was arrested on charges of abuse of official power related to a cancelled tender for ambulances and subsequent tender manipulation to favor a specific company. This arrest has triggered calls for further investigation into alleged corruption, with some suggesting the former Health Minister also be held accountable. Concurrently, the government approved a comprehensive national concept for general education reform, introducing measures such as voluntary 12th-grade attendance, strict mobile phone usage rules in schools, and an increase in psychologists and social workers. Additionally, on the occasion of Ninooba, Mikheil Kavelashvili, the country's sixth president, pardoned 59 individuals.
The economic sphere remained a focal point, with discussions highlighting persistent inflationary pressures. Business representatives voiced concerns that reducing current prices is "unimaginable" given Georgia's heavy reliance on imports. Intercity transport fares saw an increase, notably a 3 Lari rise on the Tbilisi-Khashuri route. The real estate market in Tbilisi experienced a nuanced shift in December 2025, with sales of new apartments decreasing by 24%, while transactions for older apartments rose. The average price per square meter in the capital increased by 6% year-on-year, reaching $1,341. Furthermore, mandatory travel insurance for tourists officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, a new requirement for visitors to Georgia.
Tragic incidents cast a shadow over domestic news. In Khelvachauri Municipality, two siblings were found dead, with preliminary findings suggesting hypothermia as the cause. Separately, a man was arrested in Dmanisi for the murder of his wife, a case that has drawn national attention. On the international front, Moldovan President Maia Sandu's statement that "Russia has brought Georgia back into its orbit" sparked strong reactions from Georgian politicians. This coincided with discussions at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) where concerns were raised by Luxembourg and the Netherlands regarding human rights violations and freedom of expression in Georgia, though Russia's representative approved of Georgia's human rights standards.
Local municipalities reported various activities; for instance, Kutaisi municipal council held committee meetings on economic, property management, and social issues. Batumi City Hall announced new infrastructural projects and the commencement of a stray dog shelter construction. In the energy sector, six new solar and two hydro power plants began operations in 2025, contributing to Georgia's energy independence efforts. In sports, the Georgian Futsal National Team is preparing for a decisive Euro 2026 qualification match against France, while Georgian basketball player Sandro Mamukelashvili continued his strong performance for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA.