The proposed changes to the Law on “Official Statistics” were introduced by MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party. According to the draft, the clause that prohibits the same individual from holding the post of Executive Director for more than two consecutive terms will be eliminated entirely.The explanatory note to the bill outlines several key justifications: Retention of experienced leadership: The authors argue that the current cap prevents effective and high-performing directors from continuing their work within the institution. Institutional stability: The proposed amendment aims to promote long-term continuity, organizational growth, and professional consistency within Geostat. Merit-based renewal: Under the new approach, the reappointment of an Executive Director would be based on performance, professional reputation, and trust—rather than a pre-determined numerical limit on terms. The amendment was submitted to Parliament by MPs Shota Berekashvili, Levan Machavariani, Anton Obolashvili, Irakli Mezurnishvili, Giorgi Barvenashvili, and Tornike Berekashvili.According to the initiators, the proposal will contribute to improving the quality of official statistics and ensuring better alignment with international standards in the long run.Geostat is currently headed by Executive Director Gogita Todradze, who was first appointed to the position in 2018. His second term began in 2022, meaning that under the existing legislation, his mandate would have expired in 2026. The proposed amendment would allow him, and future directors, to remain in office beyond the previously established two-term limit.

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According to the statement, Germany expressed concern during the UPR process — a mandatory review each UN member state must undergo — noting a rapid deterioration of human rights in Georgia. Germany cited serious restrictions on freedom of assembly, association, expression, and speech, enabled through “repressive legislation” and the misuse of administrative and criminal proceedings. Berlin also highlighted the lack of accountability for violent attacks on protesters and journalists.Germany recommended that Georgia thoroughly investigate reports of excessive force used against demonstrators, including allegations of torture and ill-treatment by police, and ensure victims have access to justice, compensation, and rehabilitation. The German delegation further urged the Georgian government to remove obstacles to civil society activity and to repeal or amend the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,” the “Law on Registration of Foreign Agents,” and recent amendments to the “Law on Grants.” Berlin also called for revisions to changes made to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, as well as to the Administrative Offences and Criminal Codes, arguing that the current versions restrict the right to peaceful assembly and contradict international legal standards, Venice Commission recommendations, and the EU’s 2025 Enlargement Report.Additionally, Germany requested the repeal or substantial amendment of changes to the broadcasting legislation and the laws governing freedom of expression and speech. The embassy emphasized that Georgia, as a member of international organizations, is obliged to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms and warned that current developments contradict these commitments.Germany is among the 24 countries that on January 29 activated the OSCE’s “Moscow Mechanism” to launch an expert mission to examine human rights developments in Georgia. The joint statement explains that the mechanism was triggered due to worsening human rights conditions and urges the Georgian government to cooperate fully and facilitate the mission’s work. The countries noted that although the OSCE’s “Vienna Mechanism” was invoked in December 2024 to seek information and express concern, Georgia’s responses have not alleviated the growing worries about its adherence to international human rights obligations.In a letter to the OSCE Director, the 24 delegations reaffirmed their engagement with Georgia throughout 2025 and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue. The mission, they said, will aim to document recent human rights developments; assess their impact on civil society, media freedom, the rule of law, judicial independence, political pluralism, and other structural components of democratic governance; and issue recommendations on how to address the identified concerns.

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He explained that the decision followed preliminary consultations with the university rectors.“The launch of a significant reform in the higher education system is founded on thorough analysis, international best practices, and the long-term interests of the country’s development.Recently, a comparative evaluation of academic programmes, research specialisations, and infrastructure across state universities was carried out. Based on this process and preliminary consultations with the rectors, we have decided to merge Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University. This merger is a vital step towards establishing Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University as a leading centre for academic and scientific advancement in the region, and will markedly enhance its international rankings,” Givi Mikanadze noted.As Givi Mikanadze explained, by order of the Minister, a temporary management body, the Council, will be established to oversee the merger. An acting rector, together with deputy rectors, will be appointed to manage the reorganisation process.Furthermore, a new position of Lead Professor will be established as part of the higher education reform. Selected through a competitive process, individuals appointed to this role will provide strategic leadership for teaching and research, fostering quality improvement and supporting the development of young academic staff.

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According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, the delegation will engage with both government officials and opposition leaders.“We are pleased to host a Congressional Staff delegation in Georgia. As part of their regional visit, they will meet with Georgian officials and opposition figures, and visit the IDP settlement in Tserovani to gain insight into the current situation,” the U.S. Embassy stated.

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“This briefing has been postponed because of weather conditions,” the Commission said in a statement.The session, titled “Growing Suppression of Dissent by Georgian Dream,” was originally planned for January 28 at 23:00 Tbilisi time.

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The ambassadorial post in Tbilisi had been vacant since 2022, following the end of Igor Dolgov’s mission. In the interim, Ukraine was represented by five acting ambassadors, the latest being Roman Yakovenko.Brodovych has been a career diplomat since 1996, previously serving as Consul General in Istanbul and Krakow, and as Ambassador to Slovenia from 2015 to 2022.The appointment is part of a broader reshuffle, with Zelensky replacing Ukrainian ambassadors in 16 countries, including South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the UAE.

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Ghudushauri served as Deputy Minister from 2022 to March 2024, overseeing the Ministry’s financial and economic departments under Minister Zurab Azarashvili.The case concerns a 2022 tender for emergency medical vehicles, initially awarded at  GEL8,525,876. According to investigators, Ghudushauri abused his authority to cancel the original tender and announce a new tender favoring a pre-selected company, resulting in  GEL2,138,196 being paid unjustifiably and undermining the state’s legal interests.The investigation falls under Article 332, Part 2 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, and the Finance Ministry’s Investigative Service continues intensive operations to identify corruption participants, hold them accountable, and prevent further offenses.

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“This process may lead to specific decisions, including legislative amendments. The ongoing work already provides insights, and the process will continue until the end of April at the latest,” Kobakhidze said.The Prime Minister emphasized that the issue is complex and requires detailed assessment to ensure that any measures are well-founded and effective.The goal of the review is to implement real solutions for stabilizing prices across all sectors, based on thorough analysis rather than immediate or reactive decisions.

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Meanwhile, the governments of Armenia and the United States have agreed on the framework for implementing the “Trump Road,” a project scheduled to begin construction in the second half of 2026.Despite these developments, officials in Armenia warn that the risk of renewed conflict remains high. Experts note that both Yerevan and Baku are eager to convince the international community that negotiations are progressing, though real progress has yet to materialize.Ahead of the June parliamentary elections, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeks to present himself as a peacemaker who will establish diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey and open regional transportation corridors.

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According to the official statement, Zodelava is a lawyer by profession. She received her education at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, the University of Administrative Sciences in Speyer, and the University of Bremen. She has many years of experience working in international organizations and state institutions, having served at various times as a project manager for the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ).Until now, Zodelava served as the head of the State Grants Management Agency.It remains unknown who will succeed her as the new head of the Agency.On 20 February 2025, the Georgian Parliament approved, in its third reading, legislation establishing the Legal Entity of Public Law (LEPL) – State Grants Management Agency, which is responsible for issuing grants to civil society organizations.

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