AGP Executive Report

Border Pressure & Mobilization Fears: More than 113,000 Russians crossed into Georgia via Verkhny Lars in a week as rumors of a new draft spread, with over 20,000 crossing on Aug. 20 alone—despite Moscow’s UN envoy saying mobilization is “not planned.” Pardons, Then Deportation Risk: President Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned 226 people for Mariamoba, including Russian anti-war activist Denis Kulanin—who was immediately placed in Georgia’s Migration Department and could be sent to a third country or face deportation concerns. Abkhazia Dialogue Advocate Dies in Tbilisi: Abkhaz blogger Daur Buava, known for pushing Georgian-Abkhaz reconciliation, was found dead in a rented apartment; police opened an investigation under “incitement to suicide.” Public Health Warning: Georgia’s Public Defender urged Tbilisi City Hall to assess alleged asbestos found under Rustaveli Avenue during rehabilitation, warning of risks to students starting Sept. 15. Ruling Party Shake-up: Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze announced he is leaving politics amid fresh corruption charges against former PM Irakli Garibashvili. Urban Protest: Protests continued over demolition of Tbilisi’s modernist arts complex (“Rike Tubes”), with critics calling it a blow to the city’s heritage.

Ruling Party Shake-Up: Georgia’s deputy PM Mamuka Mdinaradze announced he is leaving politics, after fresh corruption accusations hit former PM Irakli Garibashvili, including a bribe allegation tied to secret Defense Ministry procurements. Protests in Tbilisi: Euro-integration supporters kept up their street demonstrations for the 638th straight day, demanding free elections and the release of political prisoners; one long-time protest figure, Fridon Bubuteishvili, was reportedly added to a pardon list. Urban Heritage Fight: Tbilisi’s modernist Rike Tubes arts complex is being demolished despite public outcry and protests, with a hotel plan reportedly in the works. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Georgia and Azerbaijan/Türkiye military cooperation continues, while Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan says Yerevan is exploring electricity imports from Azerbaijan (and others) amid rising demand. EU/Georgia Context: Armenia’s 2026–2031 program was approved, emphasizing peace and normalization with Azerbaijan and Türkiye and deeper ties with the EU and U.S., with Russia explicitly sidelined as a strategic partner.

Anti-Annexation Push: Georgia saw the launch of a new “Anti-Annexation Platform,” presenting a legal and peaceful pushback against Russia’s occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, with founders including former senior officials and a focus on non-recognition, sanctions, and protecting displaced people. Armenia-Georgia Energy Talks: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan is weighing electricity imports if needed, naming Azerbaijan but also discussing options with Georgia, Iran, and Türkiye, alongside an EU-backed converter station project on the Georgia border. COP17 Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze accepted an invitation from Pashinyan to attend COP17 Leaders’ Summit in Yerevan in October, with both sides also reviewing the Armenia-Georgia strategic agenda. Regional Security Drills: Georgia’s Defense Ministry said the final planning conference for “Eternity-2026” ended, involving Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Georgia, aimed at improving joint protection of energy and transport infrastructure. Domestic Political Shake-up: Georgian Deputy PM Mamuka Mdinaradze announced he is leaving his government post and quitting politics, after a long Georgian Dream career. Public Health Warning: Georgia’s Public Defender warned about possible asbestos risk during Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, urging extra care as schools reopen mid-September. US–Georgia Rift: Kobakhidze met US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Amy Diaz, with Tbilisi again signaling readiness to restore the strategic partnership “from a clean sheet.”

Protest Pressure in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up demonstrations outside Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall for a 637th straight day, again demanding political prisoners’ release and free, fair elections, as one 69-year-old protester was arrested for insulting police. EU Course Debate: A separate EU-enlargement story notes the EU enlargement commissioner outlined a reform vision while again not naming Georgia, fueling frustration among pro-integration activists. Urban Heritage Under Fire: Tbilisi’s “Silo” industrial site and the “Rike Tubes” in Rike Park are both facing demolition, reigniting arguments over what the city preserves versus what it replaces. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM met Acting US Ambassador Amy Diaz, while broader South Caucasus diplomacy continues to revolve around connectivity projects like TRIPP and Armenia–Azerbaijan normalization. Church-State Tensions (Armenia): Armenia’s government escalated its standoff with the Armenian Apostolic Church, signaling possible leadership changes and an investigation into a “systemic crisis,” a reminder of how religion and politics can spill across the region.

EU Enlargement & Georgia’s Place: Georgian Dream MP Archil Gorduladze hit back at EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos after she again failed to name Georgia among accession candidates, arguing the EU only recalls Tbilisi over “dirty money” rules and ignoring Georgia’s own progress. US-Georgia Reset: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met Acting US Ambassador Amy Diaz and said Georgia is ready to reset the strategic partnership “from a clean slate” via a roadmap tied to mutual interests. Education Reform Fallout: Georgia’s 2026 Unified National Exams show a shift from state to private universities, with fewer students enrolling overall and state universities taking the biggest hit. Tbilisi Urban Politics: A landmark Soviet-era building that housed the Mtkvarze nightclub is now up for sale, raising questions about how Tbilisi manages cultural and commercial assets. Occupied Regions & Russian Narrative: Russia’s Zakharova renewed claims of continued support for Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, while an acting “foreign minister” in occupied Tskhinvali urged dialogue with Georgia on “equality and respect.” Border & Migration Debate: The opposition UNM renewed claims that Georgia is enabling a surge of Russian tourists and relocants via Upper Lars, while authorities dispute the scale.

Prosecutors vs. Garibashvili: Georgia’s prosecutor says witness testimony and documents support a new bribery charge against former PM Irakli Garibashvili tied to Defense Ministry medical equipment tenders for Gori Military Hospital, alleging a 750,000 GEL cash bribe linked to a 19 million GEL contract. Eurointegration protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s EU course kept up demonstrations for a 636th straight day, calling for political prisoners’ release, transparent elections, and an end to “repressive mechanisms,” with marches also marking Ukraine’s Independence Day. Army cyber reorg: The U.S. Army moved its enterprise cloud management under Army Cyber Command to better secure and govern its digital systems. Regional migration jitters: Georgia is watching border-crossing figures at Upper Lars amid renewed fears of another Russian mobilization-driven influx. EU/Georgia neighborhood diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan says Armenia will apply for EU membership before a referendum, framing a “Fourth Republic” shift away from Russia.

EU Court Ruling: The European Court of Human Rights ordered Türkiye to release jailed activist Osman Kavala, finding violations tied to free expression, assembly, fair trial, and unlawful detention. Georgia’s Justice Watch: Prosecutor Ana Lekiashvili said there are “no negotiations whatsoever” on a plea deal with former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze and Vasil Mkheidze, as the case moves through appeal. Political Finance & Offshore Claims: Radio Liberty reports eight businesses linked to the Co-Investment Fund were re-registered under Ekaterine Khvedelidze’s name, fueling fresh allegations about Bidzina Ivanishvili’s asset transfers and potential sanctions risk. Regional Security & War Context: More than 50 UN member states, including Georgia, called for an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, while Russia’s Medvedev again demanded NATO guarantees and warned against any NATO expansion toward Georgia. Occupied Regions: South Ossetia’s de facto election body registered four candidates for an early “presidential” vote, with political scientists saying the campaign lacks real competition. Economy & Connectivity: Batumi will host GIMF 2026 on Sept. 7-8, spotlighting the Middle Corridor and maritime connectivity. Law Enforcement: Georgia’s Interior Ministry says officers seized up to 33 kg of drugs in Rustavi, worth about 6 million GEL on the black market.

Russia-Ukraine Frontline: Zelensky says Russia could conscript about 300,000 more troops right after September parliamentary elections, with pressure likely pushed toward peripheral regions to limit backlash in Moscow. Georgia-Protest Politics: On Ukraine’s Independence Day, protesters in Tbilisi marked the occasion near the Ukrainian embassy and marched toward Taras Shevchenko, demanding Euro-integration and the release of political prisoners; police blocked parts of the route and forced protesters to fold a large flag. Former PM Garibashvili Case: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has charged ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili with bribe-taking tied to secret Defense Ministry procurements, adding to his existing legal troubles. Occupied Territories & Energy: Abkhaz-linked discussions about a pause in Georgian gasoline supplies point back to the Inguri HPP’s mutual dependence; Rosneft reportedly sent 960 tons of gasoline to Abkhazia amid complaints about high prices. Regional Security & Diplomacy: UN Security Council members and over 50 countries backed calls for Russia to agree to a full, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. EU/US Pressure on Georgia’s Economy: A US white paper flags Georgia among “Tier III” states accused of helping China evade US tariffs, raising the risk of renewed enforcement friction. Culture & Civic Life: The Kvareli Foundation for Contemporary Art is set to open Oct. 31, spotlighting Georgian contemporary art beyond Tbilisi.

Rustaveli Avenue Oversight: Tbilisi City Hall fined Smart Solutions four times for not keeping the Rustaveli Avenue renovation running 24/7, totaling ₾5,000, after the company missed the required continuous work schedule. Former PM in Court: Prosecutors charged imprisoned ex-PM Irakli Garibashvili with accepting a particularly large bribe tied to alleged Defense Ministry procurement schemes, with claims of up to ₾7 million in public losses and 11–15 years if convicted. EU Sanctions Stance: Georgia officially declined to join the EU’s latest Iran sanctions package, with Georgian Dream lawmakers saying Tbilisi will only support measures that match national interests. Civil Society vs. Kremlin Narrative: More than 100 Georgian public figures warned that Georgian Dream-linked groups are amplifying Russian propaganda and weakening sovereignty, citing intensified pro-Russia messaging and democratic backsliding. UN Security Council on Occupied Regions: UN Security Council members condemned Russia’s continued occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, calling for troop withdrawal and respect for Georgian rights. Ukraine Independence Day Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze sent Ukraine Independence Day congratulations, stressing “historic friendship,” despite recent strains between Kyiv and Tbilisi. Armenia-Georgia Connectivity: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan outlined the TRIPP railway plan, saying it will help end Armenia’s blockade via routes through Georgia and Azerbaijan. Russia Mobilization Pressure: Ukraine and rights groups report signs of renewed Russian mobilization and forced recruitment across multiple regions, as more young men reportedly flee. US Visa Ruling: A New York federal court struck down a Trump-era suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Armenia and Georgia, though consular review must still be redone case-by-case. Human Trafficking Case: Georgian police detained a man accused of forcing underage children to beg for alms in Tbilisi and taking the money, with victims placed in state care.

Protests in Tbilisi and Batumi: Supporters of Georgia’s Eurointegration course marked the 634th day of demonstrations, again calling for new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners, with EU and Ukraine flags visible and protesters also denouncing Russia. South Ossetia Vote Under Scrutiny: Ahead of September presidential elections, residents in Tskhinval say the biggest problems are jobs and an exodus, while opponents claim the race is a “simulation” and the CEC has registered four candidates after rejecting one. Russia “Black August” Pressure: A new wave of concern is building around Russia’s worsening finances and war strain, with reports of depositors pulling money from banks amid fears assets could be seized. Georgia’s Energy Pivot: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is starting to shift away from Russian crude as EU sanctions tighten, with July imports of Kazakh oil signaling diversification ahead of the January 2027 deadline. Election Access Watch: An international observer praised inclusive polling conditions, especially accessibility for voters with visual and hearing impairments.

Protest Politics in Georgia: On the 633rd day of demonstrations, pro–Euro-integration marchers in Tbilisi and Batumi again demanded new parliamentary elections, a return to the EU path, and the release of prisoners, saying the “exodus” and social damage are the result of the ruling party’s “pro-Russian course.” Occupied Regions & Elections: South Ossetia’s CEC registered four presidential candidates for the Sept. 18 early vote, including acting head Marat Kambolov and others, after rejecting one bid. Russia Mobilization Watch: Zelensky says Russia plans a “peripheral” mobilization of about 300,000 men after September’s Duma elections, while trying to avoid major city disruption to limit backlash. Energy & Sanctions Pressure: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is starting to shift away from Russian crude as EU sanctions raise the cost of the old supply model, with Kazakhstan imports already appearing in July data. Cybersecurity: Iran-linked hackers allegedly shut down a UK power plant for four days, prompting new guidance to energy firms on critical-infrastructure defenses. US Courts & Georgia on the List: A US judge overturned Trump-era immigrant visa suspensions for 75 countries, including Georgia, ruling the blanket nationality-based ban exceeded legal authority.

US Courts & Immigration: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department chief’s authority; the list includes Georgia and neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan, turning the spotlight back on how blanket nationality rules collide with individual visa assessments. Cybersecurity & Energy: Iran-linked hackers reportedly shut down a UK power plant for four days, prompting fresh concern about attacks on critical infrastructure even when the wider grid isn’t hit. Tbilisi Protests: Protesters in Tbilisi marked the 633rd day of daily marches, again demanding new parliamentary elections, a return to Euro-integration, and the release of prisoners, while accusing the ruling party of driving emigration and local decline. Georgia-EU Academic Ties: Harvard’s Georgian Studies Program was suspended after Georgia’s education ministry refused to extend funding, citing a lack of an agreed future plan—raising questions about politics and academic cooperation. Culture in Adjara: “Night Serenades 2026” moved to Batumi, with classical concerts scheduled for Aug. 21, 23, and 25.

Harvard Funding Cut: Georgia’s Education Ministry says it shut down the Georgian Studies Program at Harvard after the U.S. side failed to deliver an “agreed” future plan, with critics alleging the real driver was political pressure over Harvard academics. EU Sanctions Stance: Georgia declined to join the EU’s latest Iran sanctions, arguing foreign policy should follow “national interests” rather than bloc demands. Tbilisi Security: Police in Tbilisi seized up to 4 kg of Alpha-PVP, arresting a foreign suspect in a controlled-delivery operation. Occupied Territories & Diplomacy: The UN Security Council urged Russia to withdraw troops from Georgia and reverse recognition of occupied regions, while Abkhazia condemned remarks by Saakashvili and called them alarming. Regional Energy Shift: Analysis highlights Georgia’s oil diversification under EU sanctions, including a first Kazakh crude shipment alongside continued Russian deliveries. Georgia–Russia Legal/Info War: A new discussion on “domesticated” foreign propaganda points to how Kremlin narratives can spread through Georgian media and then travel outward. South Ossetia Vote Prep: South Ossetia’s election commission refused to register one presidential candidate, leaving limited visible campaigning ahead of September 18. US Court Ripple: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, listing Georgia among affected countries.

Pro-European Protest Pressure: Supporters of Georgia’s Eurointegration kept up daily street rallies in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi for a 632nd straight day, calling for political prisoners’ release, an end to Russia-linked policies, and free elections. EU Sanctions Standoff: Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream said it won’t join the EU’s latest Iran sanctions, arguing foreign policy must follow national interests. Russia Mobilization Anxiety: Russia’s UN envoy denied any mass mobilization after the September vote, while reports of record crossings at the Verkhny Lars border and Georgia’s pushback keep the debate alive. Occupied Abkhazia Fuel Dispute: Georgia-linked fuel shipments to occupied Abkhazia remain politically charged amid claims and counterclaims over who benefits and why. Legal Accountability in Georgia: Prosecutors refused to reopen the death investigation of Tamar Bachaliashvili, rejecting her parents’ request. Public Safety & Crime: A Georgia arrest linked to family violence charges involving NFL player Rashod Bateman added to the week’s legal headlines.

This week in Tbilisi politics: City Infrastructure: Mayor Kakha Kaladze apologized for the disruption ahead of Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation, warning that September will bring a tough two-month period of transit chaos as underground utilities are renewed. Russia-Georgia Tensions: The UN Security Council held a closed-door session marking the 18th anniversary of the 2008 war, with European members urging Russia to withdraw troops from Georgia and reverse recognition of occupied regions. Occupied Territories & Crossings: South Ossetia announced eased movement rules for Akhalgori (Leningor) residents ahead of 18 September presidential elections, including longer crossing hours and simpler entry for close relatives. Domestic Legal Pressure: Radio Liberty reports former PM Nika Gilauri’s shares and property were seized after a court ordered him and his companies to pay $12 million in a private dispute, with a villa auctioned and sold. Abkhazia Politics: Abkhazia’s de facto authorities criticized Mikheil Saakashvili’s remarks about restoring Georgian control, calling them an “alarming signal” and urging Tbilisi to respond. Public Services: Georgia announced school uniform sales points in Tbilisi and regions, with online ordering and delivery planned next week.

Opposition vs. Georgian Dream: Elene Khoshtaria, imprisoned leader of the Droa party, accuses Georgian Dream of endangering Georgia by supporting Iran economically, warning that U.S. pressure on Tehran could trigger penalties that would also hit Georgia. Pro-EU street politics: Pro-European protesters in Tbilisi kept up their campaign for a 631st consecutive day, calling for the release of political prisoners and a return to a Euro-Atlantic course, while authorities disputed claims about restrictions on prisoners’ phone access. Russia-EU messaging clash: Russia’s UN envoy said EU attempts to interfere in Georgia’s domestic politics and “drag” Tbilisi into NATO won’t lead anywhere, framing the issue as interference. Abkhazia fuel controversy: New reports say AI-92 gasoline shipments tied to Rosneft reached Abkhazia, but only a limited share is expected to be sold at stations, as residents complain about shortages, queues, and high prices. Tbilisi archaeology: Rehabilitation works on Rustaveli Avenue uncovered brick structures and ceramic vessels near Liberty Square, with City Hall saying heritage specialists will guide next steps.