Kobakhidze Defends Eagle Hills Agreement and Education Reform During Parliamentary Interpellation
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze used his interpellation hearing in Parliament to defend the government's agreement with Eagle Hills and outline key elements of the planned higher education reform.
Speaking about the investment deal, Kobakhidze said the document is classified as a commercial secret at the request of the partner company. He explained that this allows Eagle Hills to negotiate freely with other investors in the future and is consistent with both Georgian law and international practice.
Kobakhidze stressed that the state holds one-third of the shares in the joint company, while Eagle Hills holds the remaining two-thirds. He said the state will contribute land to the project but will not take on financial obligations or provide guarantees. According to him, the investor is responsible for full financing and project management.
Addressing criticism about the scale of the Krtsanisi and Gonio development areas, he said claims comparing the territory to Monaco are inaccurate. He reiterated that the land will remain co-owned by the state and cannot be sold by the investor. It can be used only for the development outlined in the agreement.
Kobakhidze also responded to speculation that the agreement includes plans to build mosques or offer advantages to foreign buyers. He said the document contains no such provisions and does not include clauses on residence permits, employment rules, or discriminatory benefits.
He added that around 16,000 apartments are planned across the two sites and estimated that Georgian citizens will likely account for about 80 percent of future buyers, similar to other projects in the country. He dismissed opposition claims that apartment prices would reach twelve thousand dollars per square meter and said actual prices would be significantly lower.
The Prime Minister outlined the expected benefits of the project, including large-scale residential construction, new hotels, and an increase in tourism revenue.
Kobakhidze then turned to education reform, saying Georgia will move to an eleven-year school model. He said this change will not limit access to international exchange programs and argued that the new structure will allow students to enter the workforce earlier. He noted persistent absenteeism in the final years of school and said the curriculum will be updated to better align with university entrance exams.
Private schools will be permitted to keep a twelve-year program. Public school students who need a twelfth grade to continue their studies abroad will have the option to enroll in special classes created in Tbilisi and other cities.
Kobakhidze also said the country must bring in foreign teaching staff to address shortages in technical and scientific fields. He noted that retired specialists who are still able to teach will be a particular focus.
The interpellation session was requested by the Georgian Dream faction and covered the Eagle Hills project and the planned reform of the higher education system.
