AGP Executive Report

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-integration kept up street action for a 628th day, calling for free elections, release of political prisoners, and a return to a Euro-Atlantic path. Abkhazia Fuel Dispute: Georgia’s occupied Abkhazia fuel supply remains a political flashpoint, with reports of shortages in the region and renewed scrutiny over who delivered the gasoline and under what arrangements. Garibashvili vs. Ivanishvili: Former PM Irakli Garibashvili, jailed, accused Bidzina Ivanishvili and the government of blackmail, alleging pressure to plead guilty and step away from politics. Foreign Direct Investment: Georgia’s FDI rose 19.3% in 2025 to $1.9 billion, led by the UK, with financial services, real estate, and trade taking the biggest shares. Local Governance & Recovery: The Salvation Army extended Hurricane Helene long-term recovery help through Dec. 31, 2027, as communities continue rebuilding. Economy & Trade: Georgia also moved to sell a former NATO/EU information center for $13 million, underscoring ongoing asset and trade reshuffling. Public Safety: A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for parts of the region, adding to a week of weather disruptions.

Fuel & Abkhazia: Georgia’s debate over fuel shipments to occupied Abkhazia keeps heating up. Georgian Dream MP Archil Gorduladze says private deliveries must follow the law on occupied territories, while opposition figures like Tazo Datunashvili call the scheme a corruption and sanctions-bypass risk. Repsol confirmed Solidus bought fuel later delivered to Abkhazia, stressing it doesn’t control resale. Occupied Abkhazia crisis: De facto authorities say fuel bought via “alternative channels” is now more expensive, with prices rising and local stations imposing limits amid shortages. Politics & protests: Opposition leader Nika Gvaramia praised Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s “healing from historical traumas” after Karabakh, drawing sharp backlash from ruling MPs who label him a “rootless agent.” Meanwhile, Tbilisi protests against Georgian Dream continue for a 627th day, with calls for Eurointegration and political prisoners. Public order: Adjara broadcaster journalist Koba Partenadze was detained for insulting police and disturbing public order in Batumi. Disaster relief: Georgia allocated 500,000 lari from the government reserve fund to Telavi for natural-disaster recovery. Regional diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Georgia discussed next steps in deepening strategic partnership, including energy and transport cooperation. Other Georgia items: Nasdaq partnered with the National Bank of Georgia to deploy its Calypso treasury platform across major banks; Agriculture Minister David Songulashvili visited wheat farms in Marneuli.

Protests in Tbilisi: Activists marked the 627th straight day of demonstrations at the Parliament, demanding a return to Eurointegration, new parliamentary elections, and the release of political prisoners. Fuel to Abkhazia sparks backlash: Georgia confirmed fuel shipments to occupied Abkhazia from Tbilisi-controlled territory, with controversy centered on whether private deliveries could ultimately support Russian military needs; Repsol later said it will stop supplying the intermediary Solidus. EU democracy report: The EU’s annual human rights and democracy assessment flags “significant backsliding” in Georgia, citing pressure on civil society, media and opposition, and says EU engagement and candidate-status progress have stalled. Abkhazia fuel supply details: A Georgian company said it delivered about 300 tonnes of petrol to Abkhazia under government authorization, while opposition figures and Saakashvili questioned the end destination. Local crime: Police arrested three people in Tbilisi for extortion, forcing victims to take online loans at gunpoint. Weather and safety: Separate reports highlighted dangerous heat and storm risk in Georgia’s region, alongside major wildfire evacuations in Europe.

Fuel to Abkhazia Under Scrutiny: Repsol says fuel shipped to occupied Abkhazia was bought via Solidus, but Solidus did not coordinate further sales with the company—adding fuel to Georgia’s widening political fight over who enabled the deliveries. Abkhazia Fuel Controversy: Georgia confirms a shipment to Abkhazia amid claims it could be linked to Russia, while opposition figures call the deal treason and question the government’s authorization. Crime Crackdown: Georgia’s Interior Ministry says three people were arrested after threatening victims with a cold weapon to force them into online loans from different banks. Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: On the 626th day of daily demonstrations, protesters marched demanding Eurointegration and the release of political prisoners. Weather Alert: Near-record heat and humidity continue across Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry into early next week, with heat advisories in effect.

Abkhazia Fuel Row: Georgian opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria calls fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia “high treason,” arguing the “humanitarian aid” story masks a Russian-backed operation. Government Response: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze counters that a “deep state” campaign is meant to scare off Russian tourists and weaken Georgia’s economy, warning it could drag the country toward confrontation. Pro-European Protests: In Tbilisi, marchers on the 626th day of daily actions protested Georgian Dream policies, demanded Eurointegration and the release of political prisoners, and marched despite heavy rain. Russia Crackdown on Diaspora: Russia’s Justice Ministry lists the Georgian NGO “Russians of Batumi” as “undesirable,” with the group saying it will keep helping political prisoners and donors abroad. Regional Energy Link: Armenia and Georgia move ahead on power cooperation, with electricity exchange capacity discussed up to 1,050 MW. Orthodox Education: A Kyiv Theological Academy textbook on the history of local Orthodox churches is published, including sections on Georgian Church development.

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up daily rallies for a 625th straight day, gathering at parliament and the city council despite heavy rain, while also marking the 34th anniversary of the Abkhazia war and calling for political prisoners’ release and free elections. Abkhazia Border Case: South Ossetia released and handed over a Georgian citizen, Giorgi Kharaishvili, after he served a sentence for illegal border crossing, returning him to Georgian authorities. Defense Diplomacy: Georgia and Azerbaijan continued defense-focused talks, including a meeting where Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani discussed bilateral and trilateral cooperation formats after receiving Azerbaijan’s newly appointed defense attaché. Fuel to Occupied Abkhazia Debate: Multiple reports and political reactions continued around claims of commercial fuel deliveries to occupied Abkhazia and allegations that schemes were designed to bypass sanctions. Regional Heat & Water Watch: Authorities extended drought response measures in parts of Georgia and warned of dangerous weekend heat with isolated storms.

Abkhazia Fuel Row: Georgia’s government says business supplied about 300 tonnes of petrol to occupied Abkhazia, but details are getting sharper after reports that the fuel was bought from Repsol via its Connect network—raising fresh questions over legality and sanctions. Courtroom Accountability: In Grigol Liluashvili’s bribery trial, a convicted former official testified remotely that he personally delivered cash to Liluashvili after being told to demand specific sums from businesspeople. Regional Security Diplomacy: Georgia’s defense leadership met the US Chargé d’Affaires to discuss cooperation, while Tbilisi and Baku reiterated their strategic partnership and defense agenda. Energy Links: Armenia and Georgia are moving ahead on power cooperation, with Armenia approving a KfW-backed “Caucasus Transmission Network” plan that targets higher electricity exchange capacity. Local Governance & Economy: A state property near Freedom Square in Tbilisi was sold at auction for GEL 34.81 million, with new owners required to invest and activate commercial use. Weather & Water: Georgia extended its statewide drought response Level 1, while dangerous heat continues across Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry.

Abkhazia Fuel Row: Gakharia for Georgia pressed PM Irakli Kobakhidze with a parliamentary question over how fuel was imported into occupied Abkhazia, demanding details on routes, quantities, and the legal basis for any consent. Occupied Abkhazia Watch: Radio Liberty reported that Solidus’ owner Giorgi Arveladze confirmed a fuel shipment into Abkhazia via the Enguri Bridge, saying it was about 300 tons and aimed at local supply. Commemoration: Georgia marked 34 years since the start of hostilities in Abkhazia, with citizens and veterans visiting the memorial for the unity of Georgia. Disinformation Probe: Myth Detector says 230 AI-generated Facebook accounts promoted Georgian Dream narratives, targeting “Russophobia” claims around the 2008 war and protests. Public Safety: Police arrested two more suspects in Tbilisi over the assault on a Glovo courier, bringing the case to five detainees. Health & Travel: Belarusian tourists injured in the Gomi Mountain crash remain in Batumi Republican Hospital, with some still in intensive care. Economy: Gold prices in Georgia were reported alongside global quotes, with domestic gram rates listed.

Fuel to Abkhazia: Georgia’s government and opposition trade accusations over reports that private company Solidus delivered fuel to occupied Abkhazia via the Enguri Bridge, with Solidus owner Giorgi Arveladze saying it was about 300 tons for the Gali population and that it was done through business, not authorities. Pro-European Protest: Tbilisi’s daily pro-European actions hit day 624, with protesters calling for political prisoners’ release, repeal of “repressive” laws, and a return to a Euro-Atlantic course, splitting locations due to repairs on Rustaveli Avenue. Kobakhidze “Deep State” Claim: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says a “deep state” plan aims to hurt Georgia’s economy by stopping Russian tourists, warning it could lead to Russia suspending ties. Sports & Youth: Kuwait’s men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics teams began training camps in Tbilisi ahead of the West Asian Championships in Jordan. Regional Energy: Armenia approved a €120m KfW loan for the Caucasus Power Transmission Network, including a high-voltage Armenia-Georgia link. Cultural Finds: An archive tied to Georgian artist Alexander Shervashidze has been discovered in London, offering new material after the 2024 Sukhumi fire. Security: Turkey repatriated six suspects from Georgia wanted on INTERPOL Red Notices, including alleged organized-crime leaders.

Road Safety: A minibus crash on Gomi Mountain in western Georgia killed 4 and left 17 Belarusian tourists injured; the Georgian driver jumped out and was hospitalized, while the Health Minister visited patients at Batumi Republican Hospital and Chokhatauri. Public Security: Police detained 135 people in a drug-related crackdown, including 55 involved in drug dealing, with controlled purchases and recordings used in the investigation. Occupied Regions: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze said fuel shipments to occupied Abkhazia were brought by private business, not the government; Abkhaz de facto authorities replied they did not block imports but cited external supply difficulties. Energy & Diplomacy: PM Kobakhidze said Georgia wants stronger strategic ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey; officials also discussed a new overland electricity transit corridor linking the region to Europe. Health/Disaster Prep: Armenia and Japan’s JICA discussed technical re-equipment and disaster risk management cooperation. Culture/Heritage: Renovation work at Tbilisi’s Melik-Azaryants building uncovered hidden underground levels beneath the historic landmark. Regional Context: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev said electricity exports to Europe would route through Georgia and Turkey.

Fuel to Abkhazia Sparks Political Firestorm: PM Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed gasoline was shipped from Georgian-controlled territory to occupied Abkhazia during a worsening fuel shortage, saying it was done by “business,” not the government—while opposition leaders demand the company name and warn it could effectively support Russian military bases. Protests in Tbilisi: On the 623rd day of daily pro-European demonstrations, protesters gathered at Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall calling for a return to the Euro-Atlantic path, release of political prisoners, and an end to repressive practices. Russia-Georgia 2008 War Debate Reignites: Russian Deputy FM Mikhail Galuzin renewed talk of “pragmatic ties” with Tbilisi as Georgian officials and political figures trade blame over the August 2008 legacy and responsibility for the war. EU-Linked Sports Moment: Iberia 1999 reached the main stage of a UEFA competition for the first time in 22 years after beating Larne 2-1 on aggregate, while Rangers’ Europa League tie also keeps Georgia football in the spotlight. Infrastructure & Daily Life: GDOT announced full weekend lane closures on I-285 for concrete slab repairs, and Georgian Roads Department flagged rehabilitation of a key Tbilisi–Manglisi road section for completion in 2027.

Crypto Crackdown: Georgia’s Finance Ministry investigative service detained a crypto firm manager over alleged illegal conversion and unregistered operations, seizing cash, cards, equipment, and crypto; the case follows US sanctions tied to Iran-linked Shelbit. Foreign Policy: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Tbilisi won’t restore diplomatic ties with Russia unless Moscow revokes recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as Georgia marks the 18th anniversary of the 2008 war. Public Protest: Pro-European demonstrators in Tbilisi marked the anniversary with renewed calls to free political prisoners and return Georgia to a Euro-Atlantic path, including posters honoring Shindisi fighters. Tech & Telecom: Silknet began construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data centre in Tbilisi, while Cellfie expanded and upgraded 5G sites, boosting upload speeds. Education & Business: School uniforms for first-graders are set to be sold nationwide from Sept. 1–14, and a “Trump Tower Tbilisi” deal is again in the spotlight over alleged links to a Russian-linked oligarch. Weather: A flash flood warning is in effect for north and west central Georgia.

Russia-Georgia Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Tbilisi won’t restore full diplomatic ties with Moscow until Russia revokes its “recognition” of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling the occupation a crime and insisting Georgia’s priority is a peaceful settlement. August 2008 Narrative Fight: Regional Development Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze argues the war began on August 8 (not August 7), pointing to Saakashvili-era shelling of Tskhinvali as the key trigger. Protests in Tbilisi: On the 622nd day of demonstrations, pro-European protesters gathered at Parliament and City Hall with posters honoring the Shindisi fighters killed in 2008 and repeating demands to free political prisoners and return to a Euro-Atlantic path. Public Safety Policy: Georgia is drafting a 2026–2030 road safety strategy that could make rear-seat seatbelts mandatory, citing data that rear-seat belt use sharply cuts deaths and injuries. Health: Georgia’s Health Minister says the state will purchase the cystic fibrosis gene modulator Trikafta starting in September. Sports & Culture: Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is linked to PSG’s wider European football buzz, while Kuwait’s rhythmic gymnasts begin a training camp in Tbilisi.

Adjara Security: Georgia’s Interior Ministry detained two people in Batumi over violence and knife threats against Adjara TV employee Koba Partenadze, with an investigation ongoing. Government Appointments: The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture introduced a new director for the State Laboratory of Agriculture, while Adjara also reviewed forest work and new equipment. Regional Infrastructure: Adjara’s government chief inspected road, school rehabilitation, and embankment restoration projects in Kedi, as road and drainage works continue across the country. Public Works & Roads: Georgia’s Roads Department reported periodic repair on an 11.4 km stretch of the Tbilisi–Senaki–Leselidze highway in Khobi. Eurointegration Protests: Demonstrators in Tbilisi continued daily rallies demanding an end to persecution of protesters and the release of political prisoners. Russia–Georgia Politics: Russian Deputy FM Mikhail Galuzin again said Moscow is ready to expand “pragmatic ties” with Tbilisi, while noting no bilateral political contacts. Culture & Community: A book on Azerbaijan–Georgia friendship was presented in Marneuli, highlighting shared history and Karabakh-era ties.

Animal-cruelty crackdown: A Georgia dogfighting promoter, Norman Dixson, was sentenced to two years in federal prison after using more than $170,000 in COVID-era aid while breeding and advertising fighting dogs online. Public safety & politics: Republican Senate candidate Tracy Wheeler was arrested on aggravated assault charges after an alleged gun incident at a Lake Sinclair restaurant, with related disputes also tied to a civil case over the venue. Tech & infrastructure: Silknet broke ground in Tbilisi on Georgia’s first Tier III certified commercial data center, aiming for 2027 operations and 2MW capacity for AI and enterprise services. Education & youth: Georgia’s National AI Team won 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze medals and a special mention at IOAI 2026 in Astana. Regional geopolitics: Tskhinvali de facto authorities again rejected Tbilisi’s framing of the 2008 war, while Georgia’s PM met the UN Resident Coordinator to discuss reforms and humanitarian issues in occupied territories. Social policy: Georgia’s poverty allowance rolls keep shrinking, with 7,235 more people removed in one month.

2008 War Commemoration: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze renewed attacks on Mikheil Saakashvili, calling him a “shameful foreign agent” and blaming his “bloody regime” for starting the August 2008 war, while officials marked the 18th anniversary with wreaths and lowered flags. Power & Security: After three major blackouts in two weeks, Kobakhidze said the State Security Service probe will end and the public will get details; authorities previously opened a “sabotage” criminal investigation but warned against jumping to conclusions. Infrastructure Move: The government created a new state road maintenance company, transferring shares of Georgian Roads Operator LLC to the Ministry of Infrastructure under a decree. Adjara Remembers: Adjara’s leadership held memorials for 2008 war victims, including decorating graves and stressing deoccupation “in a peaceful way.” Media Safety: Batumi TV host Koba Partenadze alleged repeated daily assaults and threats, with an investigation underway. Sports: Georgia’s U18 men’s handball team won promotion to the EHF First Division after the Telavi tournament’s closing ceremony.