GEORGIA: Russian Law into Effect & more – 5th Sep 2024

Gamarjobat from Gracia! This is the Rorshok Georgia Update from the 5th of September twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Georgia.

On Monday the 2nd, the "Russian law" officially came into effect. From now on, any organization or media outlet in Georgia that gets more than 20% of its funding from outside the country has to register as a foreign agent. As the law came into force, several small protests took place in Tbilisi, with activists and citizens voicing concerns about its impact on civil society and media freedom.

On Thursday the 5th, a member of the European Parliament weighed in on Georgia’s political situation, predicting that the Georgian Dream or Otsneba’s current strategy could cost them the next elections. With controversial policies like the “Russian law” and ongoing protests over democratic backsliding, the ruling party might be losing its grip. The MEP pointed out that dissatisfaction among voters is growing, and if things keep going this way, it could lead to a major shift in power after the next elections. Protests are becoming more frequent, with people frustrated over government actions, restrictions on civil society, and concerns about Georgia's future with the EU.

Parliament resumed discussions on a bill that could ban "LGBTQ+ propaganda." If passed, this law would make it illegal to promote or support LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia publicly. This bill has caused a lot of outrage, with many calling it a violation of basic human rights. Protests have already started, both in Georgia and abroad, with human rights groups pushing back hard. The bill is seen as part of a broader conservative agenda by the ruling party.

There was also some criticism about how the government handles the economy. On Monday the 2nd, Nika Nadiradze from the United National Movement or Natsebi criticized Otsneba for focusing on LGBTQ+ issues while the country is facing serious economic challenges. Nadiradze said that instead of addressing rising unemployment and poverty, Otsneba is using divisive issues like the "Russian law" to distract from the economic situation. There’s criticism saying that the government is out of touch with the real needs of the people, stirring concern that things might worsen if the focus doesn’t shift.

On Tuesday the 3rd, in the village of Shukruti, an Otsneba member died following a confrontation with an opposition activist. The clash, which reportedly escalated into a physical altercation, left the Otsneba member fatally injured, sparking outrage and concern over the rising political violence in the country.

On Wednesday the 4th, President Salome Zurabishvili didn’t hold back when she criticized the ruling party. She said that Otsneba has shifted from being a "dream" to a "nightmare." Zurabishvili is upset about the government’s recent moves, especially how close it’s getting to Russia. She’s pushing for Georgia to stick with its goal of joining the EU and NATO, and she thinks the current government is moving in the wrong direction. Her comments have stirred up even more disputes between pro-Europe and pro-Russia groups in the country,

Also on Wednesday, during a press conference, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said the government is laser-focused on one major goal: regaining Georgia’s territorial integrity. This means trying to regain control over regions like South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which were lost after the two thousand eight war against Russia. Kaladze said that the plan is all about diplomacy, peace, and development, not going to war. He believes Georgia can achieve this through economic growth and creating a stable environment, not conflict.

The day before, on Tuesday the 3d, Kaladze announced the construction of a new road that will connect Georgia with Armenia and Azerbaijan. This project is part of a broader plan to increase tourism and trade between the three South Caucasus countries. The road will make travel easier and faster, helping businesses and tourists alike. Kaladze said that this would not only strengthen ties between the countries but also boost Georgia’s economy.

On Thursday the 5th, a new public school was inaugurated in the town of Ureki, in the Guria region. This new school can accommodate around 600 students and is part of the government's larger plan to improve education infrastructure across the country.

In some tragic news, on Thursday the 3rd, two railway workers in Tbilisi lost their lives in an accident when they were doing maintenance work on the tracks, and a train unexpectedly arrived. The railway company expressed deep regret and condolences to the families of the victims, while an investigation into the incident is underway. This has sparked conversations about the safety standards for workers in Georgia, with calls for stronger regulations to prevent future accidents.

In more sad news, on Friday the 30th of August, a fire broke out at a gas station in Gurjaani, in the the Kakheti region, leaving one person injured. The fire started in the early afternoon and quickly spread. Firefighters responded quickly and managed to contain the fire. The injured person was taken to a nearby hospital. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, with some speculating that it may have been a gas leak.

On Sunday the 1st, there was another fire but this time in the capital. A fire broke out at a shopping center in Tbilisi’s Gldani district, forcing an evacuation and damaging several stores. The fire started in one of the shops and quickly spread, prompting firefighters to rush to the scene. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but the damage to the shopping center was extensive, and several business owners were left counting their losses.

Moving on to the weather, on Saturday the 7th, heavy rain and a tornado wreaked havoc in Zugdidi city, in Samegrelo, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The sudden storm brought down trees, flooded streets, and left parts of the town without power. Emergency services have been working to clear debris and restore electricity to affected areas. Local authorities estimate that dozens of homes were damaged. The storm has prompted the government to consider more measures to prepare for natural disasters, as extreme weather events become more frequent in Georgia.

On a brighter note, on Tuesday the 3d, the twenty-one-kilometer road leading to the Gomismta Resort was finally reopened after major repairs. The road had been in rough shape for a while, making it hard for people to visit the resort. Now that it’s been fully restored, it’s expected to bring more tourists to the area.

And speaking of tourism, Georgia is set to host its first-ever World Tourism Day next month. The event will feature representatives from over fifty countries. The government is hoping this event will help put Georgia on the map as a top tourist destination, and local businesses are gearing up to take full advantage of the opportunity.

In sports news, on Wednesday the 4th, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze met with Georgia's national football team to congratulate them on their recent achievements in international tournaments. The event took place in Tbilisi, with both leaders praising the team for representing Georgia on the global stage.

And to close this edition, some cultural news. On Saturday the 1st, the One Caucasus Festival brought people from Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan together. This festival is about celebrating the shared cultures of the South Caucasus, with music, food, and art. It’s especially important because of the ongoing political tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

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

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Nakhvamdis!