The News in Brief

Two Detained and Released as Farmers Protest in Marneuli Over Import Pressures

Two people were briefly detained on April 29 in the village of Shulaveri in Georgia's Marneuli municipality, as tensions rose between protesting farmers and police.

The Interior Ministry said the detentions were for "disobeying police," after demonstrators attempted to block a road. Video footage showed officers moving in as protesters tried to stop traffic. Both individuals were later released on their own recognizance, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Georgian Service, while the protest continued.

Local outlet Radio Marneuli reported that farmers are protesting difficulties selling their produce due to competition from imports.

"Participants of the protest complain that due to the abundance of imported products, they are struggling to sell their local harvest and are forced to sell it below production cost," the outlet said. "The farmers' main demand is for the authorities to actively engage in finding solutions and develop mechanisms to support local production."

The road-blocking attempt came after protesters called for a meeting with Marneuli Mayor Daur Ismailov.



Georgia, Armenia to Co-Host 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup

Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Armenia, following a decision by FIFA's governing council after a joint bid submitted in 2024.

The tournament, held every two years, features men's national teams under the age of 20 and will mark the first time Georgia hosts a FIFA World Cup tournament.

"For the first time in the history of independent Georgia, Georgia will host a world-class tournament under the auspices of FIFA," said Georgian Dream Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze on April 29, calling it "a great honor and a significant responsibility."

The Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said hosting the event "will contribute to enhancing our country's prestige, including improving its sporting image at the international level."