GEORGIA: Georgian’s gold medal & more – 1st Aug 2024

Gamarjobat from Gracia! This is the Rorshok Georgia Update from the 1st of August twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Georgia.

On Monday the 29th, Tbilisi hosted the 11th European Air Gymnastics Championship. Athletes from all over Europe came to show off their skills. The event was packed with performances, making Tbilisi a top spot for big sports events. The championship attracted huge crowds, media attention, and tourism.

Switching to city improvements, the German government and the UNDP finished a project on Thursday the 25th to make Kutaisi City Court accessible for people with disabilities. They installed stairlifts and tactile paths, making it easier for wheelchair users and visually impaired folks to navigate. The German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, said this project promotes inclusivity and equal access to justice in Georgia.

On the political side, on Friday the 26th, Adam Kinzinger, former US Congressman, spoke to Georgians, urging them to "crush the Otsneba" and reclaim their country from Bidzina Ivanishvili, whom he called corrupt and pro-Russia. He pushed for US sanctions against Ivanishvili to support Georgia's fight for democracy. Kinzinger’s remarks sparked a heated debate among different political groups. Supporters agreed that strong actions are needed against corruption and Russian influence. However, this comment was also called into question as it could be seen as interfering with Georgia’s politics.

In previous updates, we have discussed the elections and the efforts being made to prevent outside interference. On that note, on Thursday the 25th, Natia Mezvrishvili from the Sakartvelostvis, or For Georgia, party announced a new group to watch for election fraud. She emphasized the need for local and international support to ensure fair elections and fight misinformation and manipulation. The group plans to use technology to track voting and report any issues, aiming to uphold democratic standards.

For the upcoming elections, on Friday the 26th, Irakli Garibashvili, the prime minister, announced that the October 26 elections will be watched by international missions to ensure they are fair and transparent. This is to build trust in the electoral process amid fraud concerns. Observers, including the new antifraud group mentioned earlier, will be stationed across the country to monitor voting. The government also promised more measures to enhance election security.

Next, from NATO, on Wednesday the 31st, official Patrick Turner talked about former US President Trump’s NATO policies and their impact on Georgia’s NATO membership hopes. Turner stressed that Georgia needs to maintain strong democratic principles to keep its NATO aspirations alive. Analysts agree, though there are concerns about challenges from Russia.

On international advice, on Friday the 26th, Yuri Kim, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State advised against being friendly with Russia, which occupies 20% of Georgia’s land. She pointed out Russia’s history of invading neighbors and warned against close ties with China, due to dependency risks from Chinese loans and projects. These comments received some criticism as some prefer a more balanced approach to international relations.

In economic news, on Tuesday the 30th, the National Bank of Georgia said it will keep gradually adjusting its monetary policy to stabilize the economy. This means managing inflation and supporting steady growth. The bank will adjust interest rates and control the money supply to avoid overheating the economy. Economists generally support this cautious approach, noting it’s key for investor confidence and long-term growth.

On travel news: starting this autumn, Air China will begin regular flights to Georgia, marking its entry into the Georgian market. This is expected to boost tourism and business ties between the two countries and make travel and trade easier. This also means economic benefits for local businesses, like job creation and increased activity.

On regional connectivity, Georgia announced a new bypass road in the Alazani Valley on Wednesday the 31st. This will improve transport routes, cut travel times, and support local development. The road will make it easier for goods and people to move around the area, which means a potential economic boost and improved quality of life for residents.

On Wednesday the 24th, Georgian judoka Lasha Bekauri won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics twenty twenty-four. He competed in the men's ninety kilograms category and added to Georgia's Olympic achievements.

Speaking of achievements, let's move to a major infrastructure update, on Thursday the 25th, Belgian company Jan De Nul was awarded the tender for constructing the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. The selection was based on Jan De Nul's extensive experience in large-scale port construction. This project aims to transform Georgia's maritime infrastructure and boost economic growth. Construction is set to commence shortly, with strict timelines to ensure timely completion.

Now, let's talk about a significant change in transport regulations, on Monday the 29th, the government announced that starting September 1st, motorbikes and mopeds will be allowed to use bus lanes in Georgia. This decision aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of road transport. The new regulation requires riders to adhere strictly to traffic laws to ensure the safety of all road users. Authorities believe this move will streamline traffic flow and encourage more people to use two-wheelers, contributing to less crowded roads.

From road safety improvements to a tragic incident, on Thursday 25th, a severe road accident occurred on the treacherous roads of Tusheti, resulting in one death and two injuries. The accident happened on a steep, mountainous road known for its dangerous conditions. Despite the quick response from emergency services, one person succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The two injured individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. This tragic event underscores the need for heightened safety measures and awareness when traveling on such hazardous routes.

In urban development, on Wednesday the 31st, Kakha Kaladze, the Tbilisi Mayor, checked out a new park being developed in Didi Dighomi. The park will provide much-needed recreational space with green areas, playgrounds, and walking paths. This is part of the city’s efforts to improve urban green spaces and quality of life. The park is expected to become a popular spot for families and individuals.

On some positive news, on the same day, two missing people were found in Svaneti after an extensive search. The two men went missing while hiking in the Svaneti mountains on the 24th of July. The search and rescue operation, involving a helicopter, volunteer citizens, and local residents, started immediately after receiving a report from the emergency service 112. The men, who managed to contact their families, were found alive and unharmed.

On Monday the 29th, strong winds and heavy rain caused significant damage in Chiauri Village, located in the Kakheti region. The severe weather uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and blew roofs off several houses. The local emergency services were quick to respond, working to restore electricity and clear debris from the roads. Many villagers experienced power outages and property damage. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and planning further assistance to help affected residents recover from the storm.

Going back to city improvements, on Thursday the 25th, Tbilisi received new street sweepers and rubbish trucks from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This is part of the EBRD's Green Cities program to improve city services and make them more eco-friendly. These new vehicles will help keep the city cleaner and healthier.

On cultural news, on Monday the 29th, Georgia announced plans for a new museum dedicated to Caucasian treasures. The museum will display artifacts and cultural items from the Caucasus region, aiming to preserve and promote its heritage and identity. It is expected to attract local and international visitors.

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