GEORGIA: A supervised election & more – 25th July 2024

Gamarjobat from Gracia! This is the Rorshok Georgia Update from the 25th of July twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Georgia.

To start off, on Tuesday the 23rd, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) sent a long-term assessment team to Georgia for the twenty twenty-four parliamentary elections. They aim to ensure that the elections are free and fair. This move comes after last week’s announcement that the U.S. House of Representatives would hold a hearing about the upcoming elections in Georgia and Moldova to prevent outside interference, especially from Russia. Many Georgians are hopeful that international oversight will prevent any possible fraud or misconduct. The NDI’s involvement shows the global community’s interest in supporting Georgia’s democratic processes. The local media and social networks are buzzing with discussions about the importance of transparent elections and the impact this could have on the country's future.

Moving on, on Thursday the 25th, the State Security Service of Georgia announced an investigation into an assassination plot against Bidzina Ivanishvili, a prominent political leader and businessman. This revelation has shocked the country, causing concern over the safety of political leaders. Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and influential figure in Georgian politics, has been a controversial personality, often linked with Otsneba, the ruling party. The news has sparked debates about political stability and security measures in Georgia, with citizens demanding a thorough investigation and accountability.

In other news, on Friday the 19th, opposition MPs decided to file a lawsuit against the new law on transparency of foreign influence. They believe the law unfairly targets NGOs and media outlets, labeling it as an attempt to silence critical voices. This law, pushed by the ruling Otsneba party, requires organizations that receive foreign funding to register as agents of foreign influence. Ongoing public protests and online debates reflect the widespread concern over the implications of this law on civil society and media freedom.

On politics, on Saturday the 20th, Irakli Garibashvili, the prime minister, commented that if Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election, the Ukraine war could end sooner and US policy towards Georgia might change. His statement has stirred discussions nationwide, and some people are hopeful for a shift in international dynamics that could benefit Georgia. However, some are skeptical and question how realistic these changes might be. The prime minister’s remarks have highlighted the interconnectedness of global politics and their potential impact on Georgia’s strategic position and security.

Next, on Sunday the 21st, Georgia signed a declaration at the 4th Summit of the European Political Community, which represents a commitment to closer ties with Europe. This move is seen as a positive step towards European integration, which many Georgians support. The declaration includes cooperation on various fronts like security, economy, and social policies. Citizens are hopeful that this will lead to more opportunities, stability, and economic growth, while experts are debating its long-term benefits for the country.

In another important development, on Wednesday the 24th, the United States Agency for International Development began a comprehensive review of its bilateral cooperation with Georgia. This review aims to assess and enhance the effectiveness of the partnership between the two countries. The focus is on supporting Georgia's development in areas such as governance, economic growth, and social services.

On Monday the 22nd, a court imposed a fine of 2,000 GEL, or 740 USD, on Davit Katsarava, an activist who was beaten during a protest. Katsarava was fined for allegedly disobeying police orders, a decision that has outraged many people. Supporters argue that the fine is unjust and reflects a crackdown on activism. Public reaction has been strong, with many expressing their frustration through social media and local protests. This case has highlighted issues of police conduct and the treatment of activists, sparking broader discussions about civil rights and justice in Georgia.

In local governance news a new branch of the House of Justice opened in Khashuri, aimed at making legal and civil services more accessible to the local population. This development is expected to significantly improve the ease with which residents can access necessary services, such as document processing, legal aid, and civil registrations.

On Wednesday the 24th, the Varieties of Democracy Index ranked Georgia among the top 50 countries for freedom of peaceful assembly, placing it first in Europe. This accolade underscores Georgia’s progress in protecting civil liberties. Citizens and civil rights groups are celebrating this achievement, viewing it as validation of their efforts to uphold democratic principles. The news has sparked conversations about how to continue improving and maintaining these freedoms in the face of ongoing political challenges.

On Friday the 19th, it was announced that Georgian citizens would be able to travel to Thailand without a visa. This new policy is set to boost tourism and business travel between the two countries, opening up new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic cooperation.

In cultural news, Giorgi Gigashvili, a young Georgian pianist, was nominated for the prestigious AFAS Edison Klassiek award. His recognition on the international stage is seen as an inspiration for other young artists in the country and has highlighted Georgia's growing presence in the global art scene.

Still on the topic of art, the National Gallery opened a retrospective of Temo Machavariani’s works titled "The Absolute Vision." The exhibition showcases a wide array of his artistic achievements, drawing significant attention from art enthusiasts. Machavariani is renowned for his unique style and contributions to contemporary art in Georgia. Many people are visiting the gallery and sharing their experiences on social media, celebrating Machavariani’s impact on the art world.

On Thursday the 18th, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development announced the construction company chosen for Anaklia Port's marine infrastructure. This follows a detailed selection process with international consultants. The decision aims to advance the port's development and boost Georgia's maritime capabilities.

Moving on, on Monday the 22nd, the police in Imereti arrested a person on charges of attempted murder. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into recent violent incidents. Residents are relieved by the swift police action but hope for increased safety measures.

Finally, on Thursday the 25th, Guria will host a celebration at the Black Sea coast's new beach area, Zoliti, organized by the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure. This event highlights the region's tourism potential, offering various activities for locals and visitors. The community is excited about the new recreational opportunities and their positive impact on local tourism.

Aaand that’s it for this week! Thank you for joining us!

Thank you so much to everyone who filled in the survey over the past few weeks, we really appreciate your comments and ideas. Many of you mentioned you would like to get some more in-depth episodes and interviews, is that something you would like? Do you have any topics in mind? Something specific about Georgia that you want to know more about for us to do a special show on? We want to do some new things very soon!

Please email us at info@rorshok.com. If you left an email to contact you in the survey, we’ll reach out to you very soon. The survey is still linked in the show notes if you are interested in that as well.

Nakhvamdis!