GEORGIA: 4 & more – 14th Mar 2024

Gamarjobat from Gracia! This is the Rorshok Georgia Update from the 14th of March twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Georgia.

Let’s kick off this edition with some news on the political arena. On Monday the 11th, Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia shook hands and joined forces. The big guns from the United National Movement (or Natsebi) and Mtavari Arkhi (Gvaramia’s TV company) are now one team. They are rolling into the elections under a single banner - lucky number "4". Gvaramia's all pepped up, talking about sparking change and taking Georgia on a successful cruise towards European integration.

Still on the political scene, it got a bit heated as on Tuesday the 12th, Ukraine's David Arakhamia, the leader of the "Servant of the People" faction in Ukraine's parliament, laid out some measures for smoothing things over with the Georgian Dream or Otsneba government. He's calling for three big moves: freeing jailed Misha Saakashvili and sending him back to Ukraine, halting direct flights with Russia, and stopping any help in dodging international sanctions. Georgia's government is hoping for a rethink from Ukraine, aiming to keep the friendship between the two countries.

On the same day, parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili further stirred the political atmosphere. He took to social media to express his frustration over Ukraine and Europe sheltering individuals Georgia deems criminals. Papuashvili's sharp critique targets the very foundation of Georgian trust in European values, pointing out the irony in European politicians and bureaucrats sheltering the likes of Misha while professing to uphold the rule of law. The West is willing to host Saakashvili and other people whom Georgia filed charges against, which the country sees as a contradiction to the rule of law. Papuashvili is calling for an end to what he sees as hypocrisy.

In the wake of discussions about European values and legal controversies, Georgia sees a significant change in its cabinet.

On Monday, the 11th, the country welcomed Mikheil Sarjveladze as the new Minister of Health. Sarjveladze steps in to fill the shoes of Zurab Azarashvili, who resigned on the 1st of March amid critiques from the medical community regarding communication issues.

Hot on the heels of the new health minister's introduction, Georgia's got more fresh faces in high places.

On Monday the 11th, in a Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze-led ceremony Levan Zhorzholiani stepped up as the new head of the government administration. Zhorzholiani, who's moving from his role in the Tbilisi City Council, is taking over from Mikheil Javelidze, who's been in the hot seat since May twenty twenty-two, but was dismissed on February 29th.

Following administrative shake-ups, here's a bit of economic sunshine:

A report published on Tuesday the 12th said that Azerbaijan has massively upped its investment in Georgia, to almost 54 million dollars in twenty twenty-three. That's a whopping increase, making up 3% of Georgia's total foreign investment pie for the year. And while we're talking big money, Great Britain took the top spot as Georgia's main foreign investor last year.

While we're still humming from Azerbaijan's investment spike, let's zoom out to the bigger picture...

According to a report from Monday the 11th, Georgia saw its direct foreign investments hit almost 2 billion dollars in twenty twenty-three. Though that's a dip of 24% compared to twenty twenty-two, it's not all gloomy skies. The finance and insurance sectors were the star players, pulling in a hefty 630 million dollars, making up almost 40% of the total foreign investments. This shift points to a changing landscape where the money's flowing, even as Georgia navigates through the challenges of decreased investments due to a drop in debt obligations.

From economic shifts to a celebration of courage and dedication.

On Thursday the 8th, on International Women's Day, President Zourabichvili awarded medals of honor to five formidable women. Babutsa Pataraia, Ana Arganashvili, Eliso Amirejibi, Nato Shavlakadze, and Tamar Museridze were recognized for their relentless efforts in advocating for women's rights, fighting violence and discrimination, and pushing for systemic changes. Their work spans from empowering women and children with disabilities to advocating for victims of gender-based violence and promoting non-violent environments. These women's dedication lights the path for others in the fight for equality and justice.

Riding the wave of recognizing women's remarkable contributions…

On Tuesday the 12th, UN Women took a powerful step in the city of Akhaltsikhe by revealing the We Women Have Power. It’s a compilation of stories of rural women from the Kvemo Kartli, Kakheti, and Samtskhe-Javakheti regions, and it features a stirring photo exhibition. These women are reshaping their families, villages, and communities with a persistent spirit, despite numerous challenges. This initiative highlights the strength and influence rural women wield in driving positive change. It was crafted within the Women’s Economic Empowerment in the South Caucasus project, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Austrian Development Cooperation backed it up.

On Monday the 11th, there was big news for Tbilisi's hotel scene as the Golden Tulip Design Tbilisi bagged the Leading Design Hotel title for the second time at the World Travel Awards in The Ritz-Carlton in Berlin. This prize is a big deal because it impacts the tourism sector. Elene Otarashvili, the hotel's general manager, was all cheers, thanking her team and giving a nod to investment and development company the Block Group for their support.

On Monday the 18th, Tbilisi’s art vibes will get a boost with Vakho Bugadze’s show: O, I, II. It’s popping up at Public School Number 104 and the ATINATI Cultural Center. Vakho is a sculptor turned painter. This show is Vakho's trip down memory lane to his school days, turning memories into art. With over sixty pieces, he’s showing us the rollercoaster of growing up, from first friends to first loves. So, if you’re into art that hits right in the feels, don’t miss it.

And to close this edition, don’t forget to mark your calendars!

Berikaoba will take place on Sunday, the 17th, in Didi Chailuri village, nestled near Sagarejo. It is an ancient Georgian festival, with roots reaching back over 2,000 years, celebrating fertility and the arrival of spring. There will be a spectacular display of tradition, with folks dressed as monsters parading through the streets, all in the spirit of good fun. Wrestling matches, music, and a feast of local delicacies will be waiting for you.

And.. that’s it for this week! Thanks for joining us!

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Nakhvamdis!