AGP Executive Report

Iran Air Sanctions: Georgia will suspend US-sanctioned Iranian airline flights from Sept. 21, hitting Tbilisi and Batumi routes; Iran’s ambassador warned Tehran will “choose” in response and hinted at alternative travel options. Security Court Case: Former State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili was sentenced to 13 years for corruption, including alleged bribes tied to “call centers”; prosecutors say they expect an appeal, while Salome Zourabichvili calls it a “state of terror.” Protests & Rights: Pro-European supporters marked the 658th day of demonstrations in Tbilisi and Batumi, again demanding the release of political prisoners and a repeal of repressive laws; a major march is planned for Sept. 27. EU Integration Signal: Georgian FM Maka Botchorishvili told Euronews the South Caucasus must be factored into Europe’s security and enlargement plans, stressing transport links and the Middle Corridor. Regional Trade Logistics: Georgia joined a Warsaw seminar on improving customs cooperation and safe movement of goods along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. Domestic Politics & Speech: A Tbilisi court fined a business owner over a Facebook post criticizing Georgian Dream, citing public order violations.

Security Leadership: Parliament confirmed Tamaz Borashvili as the new head of Georgia’s State Security Service, voting 83-0 after the recent resignation of Geka Geladze. Transparency & Politics: Transparency International Georgia says Georgian Dream received GEL 2.4 million from Adjara in Jan–Aug 2026, about 41% of its donations for the period, raising concerns about state-capture patterns. Constitutional Court Push: Georgian Dream added the opposition party For Georgia to its constitutional case seeking to ban opposition parties. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Georgia appointed George Zakarashvili as ambassador to Azerbaijan. Legal/Finance: A U.S. court ordered Georgia to pay ENKA more than $400 million over the Namakhvani HPP arbitration loss. Major Investment: Trump Tower Tbilisi was officially launched in Tbilisi, with the $2 billion, 62-story project pitched as a jobs and tourism boost. Regional Cooperation: Armenia’s interior minister visited Georgia’s forensic facilities and joined a Batumi maritime rescue exercise. Public Safety: A Turkish citizen wanted via Interpol was detained in Batumi, with extradition procedures underway.

Georgia–Armenia “lawfare” and church pressure: A new analysis compares how Armenia and Georgia are using similar domestic tactics—pressure on opposition and demands that churches fall in line—while their foreign paths diverge: Armenia pushes toward the EU, while Georgia leans back toward Russia. Georgia politics and courts: Georgia’s ruling party moves to ban opposition parties via the Constitutional Court, as the government also faces fresh legal fallout around high-profile opposition figures. Security leadership shake-up: Georgia appoints a new head of the State Security Service after the resignation of Geka Geladze, with Tamaz Borashvili nominated to take over. Tbilisi development: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze backs the Trump Tower project in central Tbilisi, pitching a $2 billion, 62-story complex with construction targeted to finish in 2031. EU territorial integrity push: The EU plans to urge Syria to withdraw recognition of Georgia’s occupied regions, reinforcing the EU’s stance on sovereignty. Regional diplomacy: Georgia’s PM meets Armenia’s interior minister to stress peace and stability in the South Caucasus, while EU enlargement officials gather in Skopje including Georgia. Human rights and media: A Georgian journalist linked to LGBTI+ activism is reported detained in Turkey amid a wider crackdown.

Culture Leadership: Maia Bitadze has been nominated and appointed Georgia’s new Minister of Culture, pledging to carry the role’s “full responsibility” and to listen to everyone shaping Georgian culture. Constitutional Court Push: Georgian Dream says it will file a new Constitutional Court request to ban “Gakharia for Georgia,” adding it to an ongoing effort targeting opposition parties. Public Transport: Tbilisi signed a 288m lari contract with the Turkish EYE consortium to design and build a 7.5 km tram line from Didi Dighomi to Didube, aiming for completion within four years. Economy & Wages: Geostat reports average monthly nominal earnings rose 8% in Q2 2026 to 2,389.3 GEL, with the biggest pay levels in information and communication and financial services. Energy & Trade Links: UAE’s XRG completed its stake acquisition in Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor, a 3,500 km route running through Georgia and Türkiye to Southern Europe. International Spotlight: Georgia is set to present WHO validation progress on hepatitis B and C elimination, including high diagnosis, treatment, and cure rates for hepatitis C. Business & Tourism: BYD officially entered Georgia via GT Group, opening its first authorized showroom in Tbilisi, while PSP won the Grand Prix at Ad Black Sea 2026 in Batumi. Consumer & Finance Events: Tbilisi hosted ICPEN’s global consumer protection conference and a GMAP market development forum with the National Bank of Georgia and Nasdaq.

Border Pressure: Nearly 600 trucks queued at Russia’s Upper Lars checkpoint as traffic kept moving on the Georgian Military Road. State Security Shake-up: Georgia appointed a new head of the State Security Service after Geka Geladze’s resignation and linked the reshuffle to internal political disputes. Opposition Under Scrutiny: UNM leader Giorgi Baramidze was detained on treason and sabotage charges tied to remarks about Abkhazia war-era prisoner treatment. Constitutional Court Move: “Georgian Dream” says it will extend its constitutional challenge to ban “Gakharia for Georgia,” adding the party to an existing case. Pro-EU Protests: Supporters of Eurointegration continued demonstrations in Tbilisi and Batumi for the 656th day, demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM met Armenia’s Interior Minister to stress deeper cooperation and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Legal/Business: Georgia was ordered to pay Enka $350 million plus interest in an arbitration-related dispute.

State Security Shake-Up: Georgia’s State Security Service chief Gela (Geka) Geladze resigned, saying he will continue work in another government agency; Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze simultaneously nominated Tamaz Borashvili as the new head and named Geladze as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs. Judiciary and Sanctions Debate: Supreme Court judge candidate Davit Mamisheishvili argued British and U.S. sanctions on Georgian judges were meant to discredit the judiciary, while he insisted Georgia’s courts are more independent than ever. Opposition Pushback: Lelo’s Giorgi Sioridze attacked the reshuffle as an “internal power struggle” inside the Ivanishvili circle, and Salome Zurabishvili said the ruling team has “run out of cadres.” Political Parties Clash: Kobakhidze said the opposition is weakening and urged waiting for the Constitutional Court’s decision on banning parties. Regional Mobility and Trade: Georgia’s role in the Middle Corridor got fresh attention as the route’s growth boosts transit and investment prospects across the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Digital Governance: Georgia plans a Digital Governance Cooperation Centre with South Korea after a Justice Ministry visit, aiming to speed up and simplify public services. Immigration Rule Change: Georgia will let foreign students enroll in universities without national/unified entrance exams, with language requirements starting from 2027–28.

Pro-European Pressure in Tbilisi: Protesters marked the 655th straight day in Georgia, demanding the release of political prisoners, an end to repressive measures, and a return to the Euro-Atlantic course, while forming a “united force” if opposition groups don’t join. EU vs. Tbilisi Rights Row: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili rejected EU criticism over detentions and civil society treatment, calling Brussels’ account “disinformation.” Opposition Treason Case: Giorgi Baramidze’s detention over “high treason and sabotage” drew pushback from Young Lawyers of Georgia, which says prosecutors must show specific, verifiable facts. Space Diplomacy: Georgia joined three declarations at the Paris Space Summit, signaling continued involvement in European space decision-making. Education Access: Georgia approved new university entry rules for foreign applicants, allowing entry without national exams if language requirements are met. Foreign Policy & Borders: Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to restart border delimitation from the northern section near the Georgia intersection. Business & Branding: Reports say developers are preparing to market a 70-story “Trump Tower Tbilisi,” set to be Georgia’s tallest. Aviation Sanctions: Georgia will restrict Iranian airlines listed under US sanctions.

Energy Diplomacy: Turkey and Azerbaijan are pushing deeper electricity cooperation, with a possible intergovernmental deal linking Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Bulgaria on renewable power transmission and trade as early as November, framed as the “electric version of TANAP.” Tourism & Economy: Georgia’s appeal to Chinese visitors is surging, with nearly 50% growth last year tied to visa-free travel and direct flights, as officials pitch Georgia as a four-season destination. Security & Occupied Regions: South Ossetia’s acting leader Marat Kambolov says the region is “not ready” to open a border with Georgia for transit, citing security and regulatory gaps ahead of elections. Opposition Under Pressure: Tbilisi City Court ordered pre-trial detention for opposition figure Giorgi Baramidze on treason and sabotage charges, after statements tied to the 1992–93 Abkhazia conflict. Law Enforcement: Police detained three foreign nationals in Tbilisi and Adjara over illegal firearms and ammunition possession, with an investigation underway. Archaeology in Tbilisi: Roadworks on Rustaveli Avenue uncovered tenth-century pottery, adding to the city’s medieval layers. Regional Context: Kazakhstan is seeking alternative oil export routes as disruptions hit the CPC pipeline, signaling a shift toward resilience in energy logistics.

Opposition Crackdown in Tbilisi: Giorgi Baramidze, a leading United National Movement figure, has been detained on treason and sabotage charges tied to comments about the 1992–93 war in Abkhazia; a court ordered pre-trial detention, while Baramidze and supporters call it political persecution. Pro-European Protest Unity: Protest participants in Tbilisi say they’ve formed a “united force” and warn that those who don’t join will be seen as siding with authorities, as daily demonstrations continue. Tbilisi Development Fight: Activists and opposition figures protested plans to stop construction of the Krtsanisi forest park “Arab town,” arguing it would damage Tbilisi’s environment. Bulgaria Arms-Depot Probe: Bulgaria is investigating a second EMCO ammunition-site fire/explosion in weeks, with authorities weighing safety failures and possible sabotage. Regional Energy Talks: Azerbaijan and Türkiye discussed new electricity transmission projects, including a green corridor linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Bulgaria. Weather: North Georgia braces for late-evening storms, then dries out Sunday. Sports (Georgia): No. 2 Georgia routed Western Kentucky 70-20 in Athens.

Tbilisi Courtroom Update: Giorgi Baramidze, a United National Movement leader, is set for a hearing today on whether prosecutors can keep him in custody over alleged treason and sabotage tied to comments about the 1992-93 Abkhazia conflict. Pre-Trial Detention in Tbilisi Murder Case: A minor accused of murdering 17-year-old Davit Narimanidze on Khudadov Street has been remanded as a pre-trial measure, with the defense saying the incident happened within seconds and that the suspect regrets it. Public Safety and City Life: Tbilisi will host the Red Bull Soapbox Race on Sept. 13, with staged traffic restrictions around Europe Square and nearby streets from Sept. 11-14. Regional Energy Talks: Türkiye and Azerbaijan say they’re moving electricity cooperation toward implementation, including corridors linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Bulgaria and possible Black Sea undersea links to Europe. Marriage and Divorce Snapshot: Georgia recorded 10,006 marriages and 6,095 divorces in the first half of 2026, with divorce rates exceeding marriages in several regions.

Arrest & Political Fallout: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office detained former Deputy PM Giorgi Baramidze, charging him with high treason (sabotage) over remarks about alleged war crimes by Georgian forces during the 1992–93 Abkhazia conflict; opposition figures call it political persecution. Pro-European Protests: Baramidze’s detention comes amid pro-EU demonstrations in Tbilisi and Batumi that have stretched for 650+ days, with activists again demanding political prisoners’ release and free elections. EU Visa-Free Signal: Georgian Dream lawmakers say the EU is unlikely to suspend visa-free travel, arguing Brussels will keep engaging Tbilisi. Demographics: Georgia recorded 17,509 births versus 22,224 deaths in the first half of 2026, deepening a natural population decline. Personal & Social Notes: A viral Georgian food boom is drawing more U.S. diners to khachapuri and other classics, while Georgia also reported 10,006 marriages and 6,095 divorces in H1 2026.

Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Türkiye met in Baku to push electricity cooperation, with plans to move a green power transmission deal involving Georgia and Bulgaria to the next stage, described as an “electric version of TANAP.” Regional Power Links: Officials discussed interconnections via Nakhchivan and Georgia, plus the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe green corridor, as electrification and rising demand reshape energy priorities. Demography Watch: Georgia’s statistics office reports 17,509 live births and 22,224 deaths in Jan–Jun 2026, leaving a natural decrease of 4,715; only Tbilisi and Adjara saw positive natural growth. EU–Georgia Friction: PM Irakli Kobakhidze rejected an EU enlargement idea urging candidate countries to cut MAGA ties, calling it a strange new pretext. Domestic Rights & Speech: Georgia’s Interior Ministry opened an administrative case against activist Tornike Razmadze over an obscene social media comment, while he disputes the ministry’s framing. Culture Spotlight: The London Georgian Film Festival returns for its 10th edition, “Beyond the Village,” highlighting how Georgian filmmakers use rural life to probe identity and social tensions. International Space Move: Georgia joined three space-security declarations at the International Space Summit in Paris, where PM Kobakhidze participated.

EU-Georgia Tensions: PM Irakli Kobakhidze pushed back on EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos after she urged candidate states to distance themselves from MAGA politics, saying Europe should focus on its own challenges. Middle Corridor Push: At the Batumi-based Georgian International Maritime Forum “Where Seas Meet Corridors,” Kobakhidze said Middle Corridor freight could triple by 2030 and transit times could be cut in half, alongside plans to mobilize about $7bn by 2032 and modernize ports and rail. Ports & Logistics Results: Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili reported Georgia’s seaports handled 13.7m tonnes in the first eight months of 2026 (+24%), with transit times halved and border procedures reduced sharply after rail and port upgrades. Church Statement on Ukraine: The Georgian Orthodox Church condemned a Russian military unit’s use of the name of Venerable Gabriel Urgebadze, calling it unacceptable and without consultation with Tbilisi. Local Crime Update (Tbilisi): Georgia’s Interior Ministry said a teenager was detained in Tbilisi for allegedly stabbing a peer after a domestic dispute; the case is under intentional murder provisions. Aviation Village (Georgia): Georgia opened a $15m “Ambassador Aviation Village” complex in Kakheti aimed at training pilots and boosting aviation capacity.

Space & Policy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia must engage with discussions from the Paris International Space Summit, thanking Emmanuel Macron and noting talks on space security and cooperation. Disaster Response: Georgia approved an extra $1.3 million (3.5m lari) for municipalities hit by floods, landslides and erosion, bringing total disaster assistance to 55.2m lari. Aviation Sanctions: Georgia’s Civil Aviation Agency says it will fully comply with international sanctions affecting Iranian airlines, including after a Sepehran Airlines flight to Tbilisi. Orthodox Church & Ukraine: The Georgian Patriarchate condemned the use of canonized monk Gabriel Urgebadze’s name for a unit fighting on Russia’s side in Donbas. Politics & Prison: Former PM Irakli Garibashvili continues his clash with Georgian Dream from prison, accusing persecution and blackmail. Regional Trade/Connectivity: Azerbaijan is pushing digital transit across the Middle Corridor, including paperless eTIR movements. Infrastructure: Construction of the Batumi–Sarpi new road begins under a deal with China Railway Tunnel Group. Culture & Film: TIFF’s leadership and industry figures warn the global film business is at a “turning point,” with AI and consolidation reshaping the sector.

South Caucasus Diplomacy: Russia and Türkiye held consultations on South Caucasus developments, stressing the need to avoid “external initiatives” creating new dividing lines and reaffirming interest in the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform involving Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia plus Russia, Iran and Türkiye. Protests in Georgia: Supporters of Eurointegration marked the 651st consecutive day of demonstrations in Tbilisi, calling for the release of political prisoners and an end to repressive mechanisms. Border & Regional Talks: Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to demarcate their border from north to south, starting from the trilateral point where Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia intersect—an issue that keeps regional coordination in the spotlight. EU/Georgia Foreign Policy: Georgia’s foreign minister said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze will attend a Paris space summit at President Macron’s invitation, framing it as both multilateral dialogue and bilateral opportunity. Tourism & Economy: Georgia’s tourism figures show a dip in visitor numbers and income, while separate reporting highlights how Georgia is becoming a key destination for Russians fleeing mobilisation fears.

Court Watch: Georgia’s Tbilisi Court of Appeals has left businessman Tamaz Elizbarashvili in custody after declaring his appeal inadmissible, following a prosecutor case alleging threats and a return to a restaurant while armed. Trade & Finance: Deputy Finance Minister Giorgi Kakauridze says Georgia’s foreign trade turnover rose 5.8% in the first half of 2026, with the EU the top partner at 20.1%, followed by Turkey, Russia, China and the US; reserves also hit a record $8.14bn in August. Space Diplomacy: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is set to attend the first International Space Summit in Paris on Sept. 9–10, co-chaired by France and Germany, with a focus on science, research, security and defense. Infrastructure & Heritage: Roadworks on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue have uncovered a rare 10th-century pottery cache, while the Municipal Development Fund again launched a tender to rehabilitate the Tbilisi Philharmonic (third time). Aviation & Sanctions: RFE/RL reports US-sanctioned Iranian Sepehran Airlines flew to Tbilisi on Sept. 9, alongside other sanctioned carriers. Tourism Spotlight: Mestia was named by Intrepid Travel as one of 10 destinations to watch in 2027.