Prepared by Messenger Staff
Kobakhidze Meets Retail Chains to Discuss Food Prices
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with representatives from about 15 retail food chains to discuss ways to reduce food prices, the government said. The meeting was held by a commission created specifically to address rising costs.
Kobakhidze told reporters that it is important for the government and businesses to work together on pricing. "It is very important to discuss together how we can manage to lower prices," he said.
He noted that the number of retail markets in Georgia has doubled over the past five years, which he said affects prices and adds to the financial burden on consumers.
Kobakhidze said that while business freedom is essential, social responsibility must also be considered. "Freedom of business is the main starting point for us, and it has its advantages when a business determines its own activities. But the social aspect is very important. When a business operates freely, it helps the economy and employment, but in this case, such a heavy burden is placed on the population that we decided to try to make certain changes based on consultations," he said.
Kobakhidze also addressed price differences and markups among stores. "In some cases, there is a double or even triple difference between prices. We want to discuss what can be done to change certain practices and lower prices. Overall, the average markup, according to our calculations, is 86 percent. We think that is quite high," he said.
He compared Georgia's retail density with other countries. "In Georgia, there are 113 markets per 100,000 people. In Germany, the same figure is 45, in Austria it is 62, and in other countries it is even lower. This naturally affects prices and adds to the burden on consumers," Kobakhidze said.
Investigation Underway After Group Violence at Tkibuli Restaurant Involving Police Employee
Georgian authorities are investigating an incident in which an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and two companions allegedly assaulted two Security Police Department officers and another person at a restaurant in Tkibuli Municipality.
The Prosecutor's Office said the incident occurred on January 19, 2026, during a verbal confrontation that escalated into physical violence. "The investigation is being conducted by the Western Georgia Regional Prosecutor's Office into the fact of group violence committed by an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and persons accompanying him," the office said in a statement.
The investigation is being carried out as a case of group violence against two or more people, which carries potential criminal penalties. Authorities said the scene of the incident has been examined, eyewitnesses have been questioned, material evidence has been seized, video recordings have been requested, and medical examinations have been scheduled.
"At this stage of the investigation, it has been established that an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and two accompanying individuals verbally and physically assaulted two Security Police Department officers and another person present at the restaurant," the Prosecutor's Office said.
The agency added that the investigation is ongoing and that further steps will be taken as evidence is reviewed.
