Georgia’s spring parliamentary session opened amid tight security as protests erupted outside. Demonstrators demanded the release of detained journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, while opposition parties boycotted the session, rejecting the legitimacy of the October elections. Inside, President Kavelashvili
The first session of Georgia’s 11th parliament, formed after disputed elections on October 26, began on February 4 amid protests and heightened security. Civil society groups and journalists gathered outside to call for the release of Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on a hunger strike for 24 days since her arrest on January 12.
Authorities activated parliament’s yellow security level, citing security concerns. But critics see it as a sign of growing political instability rather than a protective measure.
Kavelashvili’s Speech: Defiance and Criticism
Addressing lawmakers, President Mikheil Kavelashvili defended the elections and said that “forces inside and outside the country” must accept the people’s choice. He accused Georgia’s Western allies of applying “double standards” and undermining European values, reinforcing the ruling party’s increasingly defiant stance against the EU.
Kavelashvili also warned of ongoing threats to Georgia’s stability, saying the country has been “walking on a knife edge” since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. He claimed that “anti-Georgian forces” were working to destabilize the country, a narrative often used by the government to justify its cautious foreign policy.
Opposition Boycott and New Laws
The opposition is absent from parliament, continuing its boycott in protest against what they call fraudulent elections. Their refusal to participate leaves GD lawmakers largely unchallenged as they try to pass new legislation.
A day before the session, ruling party leader Mamuka Mdinaradze announced plans to extend administrative detention from 15 to 60 days and introduce criminal penalties of up to three years for "public calls to violence.
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, one of the most trusted branches of American defense analysis, has released its annual global threat assessment — and Georgia is firmly on its radar.
Georgia celebrated its 107th Independence Day on May 26 with patriotic festivities in Tbilisi, featuring military parades, aerial demonstrations, and speeches by top officials to honor the nation’s independence.
An exhibition of Azerbaijani and Turkmen carpets and handicrafts has opened in Tbilisi, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and centuries-old weaving traditions of both nations.
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to meet with Pope Leo XIV on Monday at the Vatican, the president announced earlier today.
Armenian alcohol producers rallied outside the Georgian Embassy in Yerevan, demanding answers over prolonged border delays they say are blocking exports to Russia and causing major financial losses.
An attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall has left multiple victims, with authorities treating the incident as a targeted act of terror.
Exit polls show a razor-thin lead for liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski, with official results expected Monday in Poland’s too-close-to-call presidential race.
At least 31 people have died near a southern Gaza aid distribution site, with conflicting accounts from Palestinian officials, the Israeli military, and aid groups over what caused the bloodshed.
A fire at a hospital in Hamburg has left at least three people dead and more than 35 injured, as police investigate a 72-year-old patient in connection with the blaze.
At least 21 athletes have died after their bus veered off a bridge in Kano while returning from a national sports event.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke by phone with IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, warning that any political actions against Iran at next week’s Board of Governors meeting would have consequences.
Iran said on Saturday that it has officially received a new nuclear deal proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, delivered by Oman during a diplomatic visit to Tehran.
Hamas said on Saturday it had officially responded to a ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who represents President Donald Trump in Middle East diplomacy. The group said its reply includes a key demand: a complete end to the war.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide joint financial support for Syrian state employees, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced during a visit to Damascus, as regional efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction gain momentum.
An attack at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall has left multiple victims, with authorities treating the incident as a targeted act of terror.
Exit polls show a razor-thin lead for liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski, with official results expected Monday in Poland’s too-close-to-call presidential race.
At least 31 people have died near a southern Gaza aid distribution site, with conflicting accounts from Palestinian officials, the Israeli military, and aid groups over what caused the bloodshed.
A fire at a hospital in Hamburg has left at least three people dead and more than 35 injured, as police investigate a 72-year-old patient in connection with the blaze.
At least 21 athletes have died after their bus veered off a bridge in Kano while returning from a national sports event.
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