Mariam Lashkhi to Lead Education Committee

As of 01.06.2025, the annual change in retail consumer lending is +24.3% (01.06.2024 - +28.2% Y.Y).In addition, compared to last year, loan rates have increased, which is due to internal unrest and deteriorating sentiment. Credit resources have become more expensive. In addition, regulations, including several rounds of restrictions on foreign currency lending, up to 750,000 GEL, which will come into effect from August and, according to the NBG, should reduce foreign currency lending by $150 million.This, like all other regulations, will be transferred to GEL loans immediately and will be reflected in the standard increase in loan rates.According to banks, the minimum rate for a consumer unsecured (up to 4 years) loan (6 months) is determined from 13% (effective 22%). A 2-year annual loan is issued from 16% (effective 21.46%). A 4-year loan is >17.2% (effective 21.4%).Secured loans have a term of up to 10 years and an average nominal rate of 15-16%. The rate is fixed for 2/3 years. Then it is tied to the refinancing or TIBR rate. For example: as of June 30 -  8.36 + 8.5 = 16.9%.

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A downward trend has been observed since the beginning of the year (01.01.2025 +18%Y.Y).Business lending has also slowed down. According to the statistics of the National Bank of Georgia, as of 01.06.2025, the annual growth rate is 13.2% (01.01.2025 + 17.8%Y.Y. 01.06.2024 + 20.08%). Volume - 37.1 billion (01.06.2024 – 32.9 billion).Banks' investments in large businesses are 11.9 billion GEL (01.01.2025- 12.2 billion; 01.06.2024 –10.67 billion) in medium and small (SME) - 25.2 billion (01.01.2025 – 24.27 billion, 01.06.2024 – 22.25 billion).In May, 1,878 loans worth 1.6 billion GEL were issued to large businesses. 31,747 loans worth 1.3 billion GEL were issued to SMEs.The dollarization of the flow issued to large businesses is 52%, SME – 49.2%.

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Lending to resident legal entities is 29.1 billion GEL. 63.5% - up to 18.5 billion are foreign currency loans, the GEL portfolio is 10.6 billion. The annual growth rate of business loans has decreased to 13.2% (L/m +14.1% Y.Y).In contrast, retail lending has increased, up to +15.1%, as of 01.06.2025. (L/m- 14.4% Y.Y). The annual growth of consumer loans is still above 20% at +24.3Y.Y (L/m +24.7%Y.Y).Analysts point to a slowdown in business activity, a decrease in demand and an increase in the cost of loans. Credit resources for the banking sector have become more expensive.Loan rates have also been affected by several rounds of increases in the limit for foreign currency lending (increasing to 750,000 from August 1). Hedging costs have increased. Practice has shown that the regulation of foreign currency lending is also transferred to lari loans.According to the statistics of the National Bank of Georgia, the market rate for consumer loans has increased to 16.7% (L/Y – 16.6%). The minimum rate on foreign currency has increased to 7.7% (L/y – 7.4%).Mortgages have become more expensive, the annual rate is set at 12% (L/Y – 11.78%). In foreign currency, 7.5% remains.

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According to the updated statistics of the National Bank of Georgia, the deposit ratio is 61.7% (01.01.2025 - 63.5%), loans - 67.6% (01.01.2025 - 67.8%).As of Q1/2025, banks' assets to GDP are 104.5%, amounting to 98.225 billion GEL (01.01.2025 -95.7 billion, 01.06.2025 - 98.228 billion).For the reporting period, deposits (current accounts, term and demand deposits) amounted to 58.47 billion GEL (01.01.2025 – GEL 58.26 billion, 01.06.2025 – GEL 58.9 billion). Of this, the share of government deposits is constantly in the range of 6-7%. As of June 1, it is 4.3 billion GEL - 7.3%.When determining the coefficient, the NBG is guided by the GDP data for the last 4 quarters.

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As a result, the number of ordinary shares with voting rights held by it was determined at 1,682,584.The trading took place in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 27.It should be recalled that Allan Gray also reduced its stake in TBC PLC on November 2, 2023, from 4.9897% to 3.9978%.

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Georgian wines received awards in the following categories:10 – Platinum44 – Gold35 – Silver2 – Best Trophy5 – PopularLevan Mekhuzla, Chairman of the National Wine Agency, attended the event.Now in its 19th year, the SIWC has been held annually since 2006. Its goal is to promote the highest quality wines globally and strengthen trade and cultural ties within the Chinese market.SIWC is one of the most significant platforms for wine producers to present their products to industry professionals, media representatives, and consumers. Award-winning wines gain widespread media attention and international recognition.Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone organises the competition. Around 80 wine experts serve on the jury, and all wines are evaluated through blind tasting to ensure fairness and transparency. Awards are presented in five categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Trophy, and Popular.

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Kobakhidze emphasized Mikanadze’s extensive experience in education and science, as well as his strong academic background, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the ministry effectively.The Prime Minister also thanked outgoing Minister Aleksandre Tsuladze, who officially resigned earlier the same day, for his contributions to the sector.

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The ruling comes under Article 349 of the Criminal Code, which penalizes non-cooperation with a parliamentary commission. The charge can lead to a fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or restriction of official or professional activity for up to three years.Gvaramia had been summoned to testify before the commission but did not appear. Although he was granted bail of 30,000 GEL, he failed to pay within the legal time frame, resulting in the bail being replaced with pre-trial detention and now a formal prison sentence. He was absent from the courtroom during the verdict and did not deliver a final statement.Gvaramia is the latest in a series of opposition politicians punished for refusing to appear before what is widely referred to as the Tsulukiani Commission. Others recently sentenced include:Mamuka Khazaradze (Strong Georgia) – 8 monthsBadri Japaridze (Strong Georgia) – 8 monthsNika Melia (Coalition for Change) – 8 monthsGiorgi Vashadze (Strategy Builder) – 7 monthsZurab Japaridze (Coalition for Change) – 7 monthsGivi Targamadze – 7 monthsIrakli Okruashvili (former Defense Minister) – arrested May 14; sentence pending These developments mark an escalation in legal action against key opposition leaders and have sparked renewed concerns over the political climate in Georgia.

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