GEORGIA: Overturning the Veto & more – 21st Mar 2024

Gamarjobat from Gracia! This is the Rorshok Georgia Update from the 21st of March twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Georgia.

On Tuesday the 19th, Georgia's Parliament, led by Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, is set to dismiss President Zurabishvili's veto against changes to the Election Code. The President vetoed amendments to the Election Code focused on the selection process of the members and chairperson of the Central Election Commission (or CEC).

Papuashvili insists the veto lacks a solid basis, saying the changes align with European standards and the Venice Commission's views. He suggested that the President's move could fuel opposition protests post-election, accusing opposition forces of plotting to control election administration. The parliamentary elections will take place on the 26th of October..

Following the parliamentary showdown, on Monday the 18th, the EU slammed the opening of Russian presidential election polling stations in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. According to the EU in Georgia, this move strikes against the nation's sovereignty. Amidst this, Putin's record vote win raises eyebrows internationally, with critiques on fairness due to political clampdowns.

Also on Monday the 18th, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary General, was in Georgia and held a press conference with President Salome Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. He talked about the partnership between the alliance and the country and how Georgia and NATO are tackling Black Sea security together. He wants Georgia to have closer ties with NATO and the EU.

On Tuesday the 19th, President Salome Zurabishvili and Stoltenberg dove deep into Georgia's Euro-Atlantic journey at the Orbeliani Palace. They talked about Russia's actions in Ukraine, the rallying of international support for Ukraine, and the ripple effects on regional security, especially concerning the Black Sea. Zurabishvili didn't mince words on Russia’s elections held in Georgia's occupied spots, saying they were against Georgia's sovereignty.

game to Romania hit almost a: 7000

In more good news, starting Monday the 18th, Georgia stepped up its game with a big international tender for Anaklia's marine infrastructure. The World Bank's procurement rules guide this process, with the aim of picking the best design and construction team. Bidders got forty-five days to get their questions answered and their proposals ready. This move signals a major upgrade for Anaklia, promising to boost its role in the region's maritime activities.

On Tuesday the 19th, the Asian Development Bank (or ABD) rolled out a strategy to transform Georgia into a green and inclusive regional hub from twenty twenty-four to twenty twenty-eight. This plan focuses on investments, reforms, and knowledge sharing to spur sustainable growth, emphasizing climate action, private sector growth, and regional ties. ADB's continued support aims to leverage Georgia's strategic location for broader regional connectivity, enhancing its role as a key gateway between Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Next up, on Sunday the 17th, Irakli Karseladze, the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, announced the Zestaphoni bypass road's opening for May, marking the end of construction for the Shorapani-Argveta section of the Rikoti Pass. This new route promises smoother and safer travel. It is part of a larger project that includes ninety-seven bridges and fifty-one tunnels.

On Monday the 18th, the UN in Georgia raised concerns about a proposed tax cut on certain tobacco products. They argue it could damage public health and economic growth, undoing progress in tobacco control. Despite past successes in reducing tobacco use and its economic impact, this change could increase consumption by making cheaper tobacco products more available, conflicting with Georgia's health policies and EU aspirations. The UN urges maintaining or increasing taxes on all tobacco products to support sustainable development and protect public health .

On Thursday the 21st, Massimiliano D’Antuono, Italy's Ambassador to Georgia, and Nunu Mitskevich from Georgia's education world caught up to chat about educational programs linking the two countries. They revisited the scholarship program that started in twenty eighteen, making it easier for Georgian students to study in Italy, and brainstormed on teaming up with more Italian universities.

In some news on tourism, on Friday the 15th, the Georgian National Tourism Administration unveiled a new digital platform aimed at revolutionizing how the private sector engages with international tourism expos. This online portal will streamline the process of registering for global tourism exhibitions, promising a fair and transparent selection of participants through its algorithm. This move marks a significant step in the digital transformation of Georgia's tourism sector, opening up new opportunities for local businesses to shine on the international stage.

.On a related note, on Tuesday the 19th, Georgia took its charm to Prague, to the Holiday World and Region World exhibitions. There were over 300 participants from thirty countries and more than 30,000 visitors.

On Thursday the 21st, the Georgian National Tourism Administration hit the ground running at the PURE Meetings & Events conference in Paris. They joined over 600 big names from the European business tourism world, including hotels, airlines, and congress centers, to chat about future partnerships.

In cultural updates, some Georgian artists are making waves in Berlin and Hamburg with their captivating exhibitions. For instance, Guga Kakabadze brings to life the allure of old doors and gates.

In some sports news, on Thursday the 21st, Tbilisi's Mayor Kaladze was on fire, pumping up the city for the Georgia vs. Luxembourg football match with big screens set up for fans. He's also got Vake's back with a new soil retaining wall for safety and smoother drives. Didubi residents are getting a parking system makeover to keep those streets clear. Public transport is getting a boost with more buses and less waiting.

And to close this edition, President Zourabichvili is set to honor UFC champion Ilia Topuria with the prestigious Order of Honour, highlighting his outstanding achievements and national pride. Topuria's recognition follows his impressive performance in the UFC, underscoring his role as a source of inspiration for many.

And that’s it for this week!

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Nakhvamdis!