Georgia Intel: Tbilisi Protests & Russian Pressure

During the week of April 27 to May 3, Tbilisi experienced a convergence of labor strikes, sustained civil protests, and tightening administrative regulations. On May 1, a nationwide taxi and courier strike severely disrupted transit in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi. Concurrently, parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy continued their 24-hour protest outside the Government Administration, marking their 12th consecutive day as of May 2. On May 2, thousands marched through central Tbilisi in support of independent media ahead of World Press Freedom Day. As expected in prior assessments, the taxi strike and new foreigner regulations materialized on May 1, while the anticipated US State Department visit is now expected later in May. A clear trend of administrative tightening and diplomatic friction emerged this week. On May 1, new regulations enforcing strict work permits for self-employed foreigners and increased traffic fines took effect, following the deportation of 103 foreigners on April 30. Diplomatically, the Georgian Foreign Ministry summoned EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski on April 27 over his critical remarks. Furthermore, Georgia dropped 21 places to 135th in the RSF World Press Freedom Index on April 30. Within the security sector, the parliament approved Geka Geladze as the new head of the State Security Service on April 29, and formalized the powers of Mamuka Mdinaradze as the new State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Bodies on May 2. The convergence of severe weather, transit strikes, and aggressive immigration enforcement creates a highly disruptive operational environment for the Samgori business school. The National Environmental Agency has warned of heavy rain, hail, and landslide risks across Georgia from May 2-6, which threatens to sever the recently reopened Up, the ongoing taxi strike will severely limit mobility for students and staff. The school must immediately audit all international student visas and staff work permits to ensure strict compliance with the May 1 regulations, as the recent deportation of 103 foreigners signals a zero-tolerance approach by immigration authorities.

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