Georgia
Central Asia and Caucasus are some of the most hazardous places to drive in the world
Traffic-related deaths and injuries taking an economic toll.
Kremlin-backed candidate wins Abkhazia presidency in runoff vote
Badra Gunba claimed victory over his opponent Adgur Ardzinba in the second round of the presidential election in the Russia-backed Georgian separatist region of Abkhazia.
Emerging Europe’s Ukraine critics unleashed by Trump’s attack on Zelenskiy
Leaders of Bulgaria, Georgia and Hungary back Trump in row with Ukrainian president and slam Europe's handling of the war.
Humanitarian crisis in western Georgia as heavy snowfall continues
Heavy snow has been falling across Georgia for seven days, with the western mountainous regions of Guria and Adjara on the Black Sea Coast particularly affected.
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Fitch warns over political and geopolitical risks to South Caucasus sovereign ratings
Political and geopolitical developments that heighten external vulnerabilities and policy weaknesses in the South Caucasus are exerting a significant influence on the sovereign credit profiles of the region’s countries, rating agency says.
Georgia’s surging art imports fuel speculation over Ivanishvili’s offshore tax exemption
Many politicians and analysts in Georgia suspect Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili is behind the $480.7mn of art works imported into Georgia in January.
Detained Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli ends hunger strike after 38 days
Amaglobeli is among hundreds of demonstrators arrested in Georgia since November 28 when countrywide, nightly demonstrations began in response to the ruling Georgian Dream party’s suspension of EU accession talks.
Former Georgian president and opposition members egged on return from Munich
Salome Zourabichvili called on Georgia’s Western partners for a stronger reaction to increasing domestic repression and hostility by the ruling Georgian Dream party during Munich Security Conference.
Abkhazia presidential election goes to runoff after no candidate secures majority
Kremlin-backed Badra Gunba will face opposition leader Adgur Ardzinba in the second round.
European Parliament calls for sanctions on top Georgian officials
MEPs pass crucial resolution on Georgian political crisis, urge EU not to recognise Georgia Dream government.
Nationwide poll shows majority of Georgians blame ruling party for political crisis and support ongoing protests
Over 75% of Georgians blame the ruling Georgian Dream party for the current crisis, according to a public opinion survey by the Institute for Social Research and Analysis.
Georgia’s ruling party launches commission to probe former ruling UNM
Georgian Dream accuses UNM officials, specifically the party’s founder and leader Mikheil Saakashvili, of “systemic crimes” including provoking the August 2008 war with Russia.
Georgia’s ruling party targets NGOs and media with new legislation
New laws are aimed at censoring domestic media and limiting foreign influence in Georgian civil society organisations.
Georgian Dream parliament annuls mandates of 49 opposition MPs
Opposition parties declared the October 2024 general election fraudulent and refused to take their seats in parliament.
Georgian wine renaissance defies political turmoil
Georgia’s centuries-old winemaking heritage positions it to cater to growing international demand for premium products.
COMMENT: Trump’s return holds both peril and promise for the South Caucasus
Struggling democracy Armenia left isolated and vulnerable, while for the leaders of Azerbaijan and Georgia, Trump’s victory indicates a welcome relief from the usual US emphasis on democracy and human rights.
Opposition leaders arrested at pro-EU protest in Tbilisi
A protest intended to block a key traffic artery in Tbilisi was met with heavy police repression and violent arrests.
Georgia quits PACE over demand for new elections
Georgia’s parliament speaker accused PACE of "blackmail" after members voted to demand a rerun of the contested October 2024 general election and the release of all political prisoners.
China enhances position as Central Asia’s economic overlord
Trade balance heavily favours Beijing.