Joint statement from Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Droa, and Girchi More Freedom 

On October 27, opposition parties Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Droa, and Girchi More Freedom stated that Georgia is unlikely to be given EU candidate status by the end of next year after they visited Brussels. 

In a joint statement, the three opposition parties said that during their recent trip to Brussels, they spoke with high-ranking representatives of the European Parliament and the European Commission. They are actively involved in Georgian matters. They state that the pertinent European Union organizations consider Georgia to fulfill all the requirements for candidate status. "However, actions taken or not taken by the ruling Georgian Dream led to unfavorable judgment and the 12-point proposal of the European Commission," it added.

By the end of 2023, the 12-point evaluation will be finished and made public. According to opposition party members, Georgia will probably not be given candidate status once more for EU membership. 

"The European Union is looking for real, practical outcomes that must be evaluated over time, not only for specific legislative changes. Time is running out to make observations in practice because Georgian Dream is already behind schedule in fixing these problems," opposition MPs emphasized.

Message from Irakli Garibashvili on Abkhazian Language Day 

On October 27, Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, wished everyone a happy Abkhazian Language Day. 

The PM said in his letter, "I wish a Happy Abkhazian Language Day to all of Georgia, to everyone valuing the conservation and maintenance of our collective treasure, the Abkhazian language, and cultural distinctiveness, as one's beloved value and responsibility." 

The PM claims that the Georgian Constitution also protects the Abkhazian language alongside Georgian. "Like Georgian, the Abkhazian language is safeguarded by the Georgian Constitution and is an integral component of our shared linguistic heritage. The Abkhazian language is still being studied, developed, and promoted scientifically by the Georgian government. This work assumes particular importance given the occupation of the Abkhazian territory and the continuous heightened russification there, which more than ever presents a threat to the Abkhazian language's extinction. This work assumes particular importance," he stated.

According to the Prime Minister's letter, it is critical to encourage more youth to study it and to transform Abkhazian into a language to strengthen our ties and provide new opportunities in peacebuilding and confidence-building. 

Georgian MP found dead at his apartment

Irakli Khakhubia, a politician from the Georgian Dream party, was discovered dead in his home in Tbilisi with a gun nearby.

Although suspicion of foul play has not been eliminated, on October 27, the Interior Ministry informed that an investigation into Khakhubia's death had been started, with suicide being the most likely cause. 

The 51-year-old legislator had health issues following the death of his son, Beka Khakhubia. The latter died in a car accident in 2017 while attempting to flee from police. 

Shalva Papuashvili declares the anti-corruption working group to be open 

On October 26, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, declared that anybody might join the working group against corruption. 

"Everyone was encouraged to participate and provide their ideas to the working group," he said. The Speaker added that several models are in use worldwide, including in Europe, and a project suitable for the situation will be developed after studying these models.

Tbilisi Mayor on accusations regarding Vake Park incident

On October 26, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze denied claims that the children were poisoned as a result of a swimming pool water treatment that occurred while they were in the water. 

In Kaladze's opinion, the case promoted falsehoods and exploited children's difficulties. According to him, this was done on purpose to coincide with the recent tragedy involving the electrocution death of a 13-year-old girl in a recently restored fountain in Vake Park in the heart of Tbilisi. 

"We thus announce that the information is untrue and accept full responsibility. Pool water testing is depicted in the summertime video, which is done daily. The water in the pool was immediately tested in response to the rumors, and the results showed that the pH and chlorine levels were within the normal range. Additionally, according to a study by the Sports Center administration, no children had been admitted to a hospital due to poisoning," he added. "Manipulating themes like this is quite disgraceful," the mayor concluded.

Georgian Defense Minister on EU membership

According to Juansher Burchuladze, the Georgian Minister of Defense, the EU candidate status and eventual EU membership are Georgia's top priorities.

According to Burchuladze, all things produce guarantees and the possibility of becoming a member state of collective security. The Minister claimed that these actions need to be carefully reviewed, and a deadline must be established. 

"No one would have imagined that the Baltic nations would join NATO so swiftly, so to speak, and without any additional costs. I am sure we will have the opportunity to accomplish it," Burchuladze added. He said they would gain full EU membership, candidate status, and participation in the collective security organization.