Georgia's Political Tensions Escalate with Charges Against Opposition; Economic and Urban Developments Also in Focus
2025年11月6日
Today, November 6, 2025, Georgia's political arena was dominated by significant developments as the Prosecutor General's Office announced the initiation of criminal proceedings against a group of prominent opposition leaders. These leaders include former President Mikheil Saakashvili, alongside figures such as Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Zurab Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze. The charges levied against them reportedly include sabotage, assisting hostile activities, financing activities against Georgia's constitutional order and national security, and incitement to overthrow the government by force. This move has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from the opposition, with figures like Elene Khoshtaria defiantly stating she would continue her efforts to sanction the "Russian Dream" (referring to the ruling party, Georgian Dream).
The unfolding political situation has also garnered considerable international attention and criticism. Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiha, responded to Georgian accusations regarding its EU integration path, asserting that any issues stem from Tbilisi, not Kyiv. Simultaneously, the German Ambassador to Georgia returned to the country following consultations in Berlin, a move seen by some as related to ongoing political tensions. Furthermore, the European liberal alliance ALDE issued a statement warning that Georgia is drifting towards "full autocracy" under the current government and that the world should not remain silent. An EU report also highlighted that 2,361 Russian citizens were granted Georgian citizenship last year.
In the economic sphere, various reports offered a mixed picture. Georgia was ranked 77th out of 99 countries in healthcare quality according to Numbeo's statistics for the first half of 2025, placing it among the lowest in the region. The country's auto fleet grew by 125.3 thousand vehicles in nine months, though electric vehicles constitute only 1% of this increase. The hotel price index saw a decrease in October, with average room prices ranging from 100 to 442 GEL. The real estate market reportedly showed positive dynamics with improved transaction numbers, while tractor imports decreased by 19% year-on-year. Concerns were also raised about the supply of insulin, with Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze acknowledging issues with one manufacturer but assuring the availability of another.
Regarding urban and regional developments, Giorgi Tsintsadze officially assumed his duties as the new Mayor of Batumi. Rehabilitation work on Sergi Meskhi Street in Batumi was completed today, and the second phase of Rustaveli Street rehabilitation is underway. In Kutaisi, several members of the city council from the "Georgian Dream" party resigned, and new appointments were made. Planning continues for significant infrastructure projects, including a new cable car in Tbilisi linking Vazisubani to the Samgori metro station, and a new section of the Rustavi-Tbilisi highway, estimated to cost 23.53 million GEL for land acquisition. Market research was re-announced for the rehabilitation of the coastal strip of Ganmukhuri and Anaklia.