GEORGIA: Protests & more – 23rd May 2024

Gamarjobat from Gracia! This is the Rorshok Georgia Update from the 23rd of May twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Georgia.

On Wednesday the 22nd, the protests in Georgia against the "Russian Law" grew even more intense, and now there’s a big demonstration planned for Friday the 24th. The law now says that individuals, not just organizations, must register and include detailed personal information. Protesters say this invades their privacy and believe that the law will be used to target and control them.

They said that the bill could be used to punish people who disagree with the government, since it will make it easier for the government to track and harass activists, journalists, and anyone who speaks out. Now, the protests are not just about the law itself, but about how the rule can be used to silence and intimidate people.

In related news, last Saturday the 18th, President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the law, calling it a Russian-style law that goes against European standards. However, The Georgian Dream or Otsneba, who currently controls the parliament, might override her veto because the parliament can overturn a presidential veto with a simple majority vote. Since Otsneba has the majority, they could push the law through despite the President's veto.

Adding to the tension, on Monday the 20th, POLITICO reported that the US Congress would introduce a draft bill that could freeze assets and impose visa bans on Georgian government officials who backed the "Russian Law." The draft law targets ruling party lawmakers, law enforcement officers, and possible Russian agents in Georgia. It also calls for top US officials to report on political influence, corruption, and suspected Russian and Chinese intelligence activities in Georgia.

James O’Brien, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, warned that if the Russian Law passes, the US could impose financial and travel restrictions on those responsible. This law could severely impact Georgia’s relations with the US and its chances of joining the EU, with both Brussels and Washington expressing strong opposition to the legislation.

Moving on, on Tuesday the 21st, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (or EBRD) honored Georgia for its successful economic reforms during its annual meeting. They said Georgia is improving its business environment and attracting foreign investments. The EBRD highlighted reforms in areas like tax policy, financial regulation, and infrastructure development, making Georgia one of the most business-friendly countries in the region. EBRD’s remarks aim to attract investors to Georgia and help the economy. The government said it’s committed to supporting these reforms to ensure sustained economic growth and stability.

This recognition comes as part of the EBRD's regular review of the countries it supports.

Speaking of banks, on Thursday the 16th, President Salome Zurabishvili met with five candidates for the Board of the National Bank of Georgia. This meeting is part of the process to select new members for the Board. These members help decide the country's monetary policies and keep the financial system stable. The President discussed the visions for the bank, focusing on maintaining financial stability, controlling inflation, and supporting economic growth. The final decision on the new board members is expected soon.

On Sunday the 19th, the government mentioned on their Facebook page that they are planning to introduce new educational reforms to improve public schools. These changes are set to start in September and will focus more on STEM subjects and digital literacy, taking into account the future job market and technological advancements. Teachers are expected to receive additional training to implement these changes. The reforms also include plans to update school facilities and provide more resources for students, but specific details on these resources are not yet confirmed.

These reforms were put into question because the government might not implement them. There are concerns that this might be a tactic to gain support.

On Friday the 17th, the Family Purity Day procession took place in Tbilisi. This event supports traditional family values and has sparked debates about LGBTQ rights. The procession included speeches by religious leaders and activities promoting family unity. Government officials participated in the march, showing support for the procession’s stance. Opposing groups argued that the event marginalizes the LGBTQ community, and reinforces conservative social norms.

In some weather updates, on Monday the 20th, heavy rains caused bad floodings in Samegrelo and Guria in western Georgia. The government sent emergency services to help people and fix the damage. Many roads and bridges were washed away, making it hard for people to get around. The flooding also damaged homes and farmlands, causing significant losses for local residents. Authorities are working to provide temporary shelters and financial assistance to those affected.

The heavy rains are part of a larger pattern of extreme weather that has been affecting the region, causing concerns about the impact of climate change on Georgia.

Switching to cultural events, on Friday the 17th, a new art exhibition titled “Modern Georgia” opened in Tbilisi. It features contemporary works by Georgian artists and looks at themes of identity, culture, and change. The exhibition runs until the end of June. Artists showcased their latest creations, which include paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. The exhibition shows how Georgian art is changing and growing, mixing the country’s rich history with today’s issues.

On Wednesday the 22nd, the Georgian National Tourism Administration took part in the IMEX exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany. It showed off Georgia’s rich culture, beautiful nature, and modern tourism facilities, and highlighted key attractions such as the wine region of Kakheti, the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe, and the capital city of Tbilisi.

The participation in IMEX is part of a larger strategy to stimulate local ecomomy by increasing international tourism, which has been steadily recovering post-pandemic.

On that note about wine, on Saturday the 18th, a report from the National Wine Agency of Georgia revealed that the country's wine industry is seeing a significant boost in exports. Since the beginning of this year, wine exports have increased by 15%, with major markets in Europe and Asia showing growing demand. The government is supporting local winemakers to further boost international sales by participating in international wine fairs, improving production standards, and promoting Georgian wine as a premium product.

And to wrap up this edition, a new bypass road is being built on the side of the Alazani Valley in the Kakheti Region. This project includes a two-lane asphalt-concrete road and six bridges. Currently, thirteen kilometers of the seventeen-kilometer Bakurtsikhe-Tsnori bypass road have been covered with asphalt concrete, and construction is ongoing. This new road will connect the Tbilisi-Bakurtsikhe-Lagodekhi-Azerbaijan border international road with the existing domestic road, improving travel and transportation in the region.

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

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Nakhvamdis!