Constitutional Court Rejects Motion to Recuse Judges

During the proceedings, some representatives of the respondent side requested the recusal of the entire bench, while others sought the recusal of specific individual judges. Ana Tsitlidze, a representative of the "Unity - National Movement" party, stated that the lawsuit in question is aimed not only at banning opposition political parties but also at undermining the sovereignty and freedom of Georgia. Representatives of the plaintiff, "Georgian Dream," opposed the recusal motion, following which the court retired to deliberate. Following the rejection of a motion, the substantive review of a lawsuit filed by the ruling team has officially begun in the Constitutional Court. The lawsuit seeks to have five opposition parties declared unconstitutional, banned, and their registrations revoked. The case is being heard by the Plenum of the Constitutional Court, composed of seven judges. Substantive hearings are scheduled for October 21, 22, and 23.The lawsuit submitted to the Constitutional Court is signed by 88 members of the 11th convocation of Parliament. Based on this filing, the Court is tasked with considering the potential declaration of unconstitutionality and the banning of the following five political entities: "Unity – National Movement"; "Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, Droa"; "Strong Georgia – Lelo, For the People, For Freedom!"; "Federalist Party"; "The party "Gakharia for Georgia." Arguments of the Plaintiffs and the Conclusion of the Temporary Investigative CommissionAttached to the constitutional lawsuit is the conclusion of a temporary investigative commission established within the 11th convocation of Parliament. According to the plaintiffs, the named political entities have, since 2016—in a virtually continuous manner—rejected the political legitimacy of Georgia’s incumbent government and the ruling party, both in terms of domestic and foreign policy. The authors of the lawsuit assert that these parties have operated for years as a unified coalition, engaging in unconstitutional actions, including acts of sabotage against the state.The lawsuit cites the formation of an "Opposition Alliance" on March 2, 2026—intended for "joint work to achieve common goals"—as a recent example of this coalition. The plaintiffs point out that a declared principle of this alliance is the rejection of the legitimacy of elected bodies and public officials. Furthermore, the lawsuit highlights platforms established through the mediation of former President Salome Zourabichvili, as well as the cooperation between the "ENP" [United National Movement] and the party "Gakharia for Georgia" within the municipal councils (*sakrebulo*) of Chkhorotsqu, Tsalenjikha, Rustavi, Zugdidi, and Senaki following the 2021 local self-government elections. Furthermore, the lawsuit notes that although other small or fictitious parties are closely linked to the aforementioned entities (for example: "Elene Khoshtaria – Droa," "Yes to Europe – Strategy Agmashenebeli," "European Georgia," "Republican Party," "Freedom Square," "National Democratic Party," "Girchi – More Freedom," etc.), there is currently no apparent necessity to ban them, as they do not exert any substantial influence on politics; however, the question of their unconstitutionality may arise at a later stage.Human Rights Violations and the August 2008 WarA significant portion of the lawsuit is dedicated to the period of the "United National Movement’s" governance from 2004 to 2012. According to the plaintiffs, a system involving the torture and inhumane treatment of inmates within penitentiary institutions was established and developed during this period. The lawsuit states that fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights have been violated—including the rights to life, health, privacy, property, and media freedom.Furthermore, the lawsuit focuses on the 2008 Russo-Georgian War and related events. The MPs assert that, during its time in power, the "National Movement" systematically carried out actions that facilitated the occupation of Georgian territories and strengthened the political position of the occupying force.The plaintiffs claim that between 2019 and 2025, there were six direct attempts to overthrow the constitutional order of Georgia and alter it through violence. Consequently, the authors of the lawsuit, signed by 88 MPs - are requesting that all five named political parties be declared unconstitutional, that their activities be banned, and that their registration in the Public Registry be revoked.Proceedings in the Constitutional Court are currently ongoing.

EU Allocates EUR 38 MLN for Projects Supporting Georgia’s Population i...

The new projects that will continue to make a real difference in the lives of families and communities across Georgia: Economic opportunities in small cities and towns Skills for a changing labour market Socio-economic development in rural areas, especially driven by women Better access to markets and better food quality Actions to combat violence towards women and girls Safe and orderly migration Climate adaptation and disaster preparedness Continued support for communities in Abkhazia

Georgian Prime Minister met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

The meeting, held in Yerevan on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), touched upon bilateral relations between the two countries. The parties highlighted positive cooperation in tourism.According to the Government Administration of Georgia, the meeting also focused on the regional security situation. The Georgian Prime Minister reiterated the vital importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in achieving de-escalation and ensuring lasting peace.

European Parliament Resolution Calls for Sanctions on Georgian Dream L...

MEPs call on the EU and its member states to impose targeted personal sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals responsible for democratic backsliding, violent repression and political persecution. The resolution specifically names Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili and Kakha Kaladze. The document also refers to the constitutional lawsuit filed in November 2025 by the Georgian Parliament seeking to ban opposition parties, including the United National Movement, Coalition for Change and Strong Georgia – Lelo. The Federalists were subsequently added to the case, while For Georgia, described in the resolution as the only opposition party represented in Parliament, was added in September 2026.According to the resolution, the European Parliament also calls for: the immediate release of all political prisoners and those detained for peaceful protests, including Elene Khoshtaria, 2025 Sakharov Prize laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Baramidze and Nika Melia; the dropping of charges in politically motivated “sabotage” cases; the repeal of provisions allowing disproportionate restrictions on banned parties and individuals; an end to the use of legislation and state institutions to silence political opponents; the removal of obstacles facing European political foundations, including the Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Naumann foundations. The resolution describes the situation in Georgia as increasingly deteriorating in terms of democracy, media freedom, human rights and the rule of law. MEPs characterize the attempts to ban opposition parties as part of what they describe as a broader Georgian Dream strategy to establish a one-party regime by eliminating political pluralism, comparing it to the models of Russia and Belarus. The European Parliament also reiterates its support for the Georgian people’s European aspirations and recalls its previous warnings that banning existing political parties would move Georgia away from the EU and hinder any steps toward EU membership. It also rejected two amendments submitted by Tomasz Froelich and Petar Volgin that sought to remove references to the alleged one-party strategy and targeted sanctions from the resolution.

Tamaz Borashvili Confirmed as Head of State Security Service – Agency...

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze submitted Borashvili’s candidacy to the legislature on September 14. Prior to this appointment, Borashvili served as the Deputy Head of the State Security Service. He replaces Geka Geladze, who announced his resignation on September 14 and will continue his career as a Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.Under the law, the Parliament elects the Head of the State Security Service for a six-year term; however, the issue of appointing the agency's leader has appeared on the parliamentary agenda four times in the last year and a half. Tamaz Borashvili is the sixth person to hold the position of Head of the State Security Service. Heads of the State Security Service and the chronology of personnel changes: Vakhtang Gomelauri (August 1, 2015 – September 8, 2019) – The first head of the newly separated agency (over 4 years). Grigol Liluashvili (October 17, 2019 – April 2, 2025) – The longest-serving head (over 5 years). Anri Okhanashvili (April 4, 2025 – August 23, 2025) – Held the position for less than 5 months. Mamuka Mdinaradze (September 3, 2025 – April 21, 2026) – Led the agency for approximately 7 months. Geka Geladze (April 21, 2026 – September 14, 2026) – Left the position in less than 5 months.