Demonstrations in the country and abroad. However, the current head of state Zurabislavili is stalling. Without Saakashvili's release, the possibility of EU entry is out of the question. The ruling Georgian Dream wants precisely this: to feed a 'nationalist consensus that wants Georgia out of everything'.
National Movement presidential candidates chosen. Outgoing leader Melia is favoured. All four contenders call for the release of former president Saakashvili. The pro-Western formation challenges the pro-Kremlin Georgian Dream currently in power.
Former President Saakashvili's National Movement chooses its new president. If elected, Georgij Mumladze promises tough politics against the pro-Russians of the Georgian Dream, now in power. Saakashvili, in prison and ill, is holding back. For ruling leader, the Movement is at an end.
Ukraine sanctions relatives of the founder of the majority party in Georgia, suspected of links to the Russian leader. Georgians do not want to be dragged into the war. Cautious opposition in Tbilisi.
Today's headlines: at least four victims in the collapse of a Shia shrine in Kerbala; heavy rains and floods claim dozens of lives in India and Afghanistan; Tokyo is ready to deploy a thousand missiles as a deterrent to Beijing and Pyongyang; Singapore has cancelled a rule criminalising homosexuality; allegations over responsibility for Daria Dugina's death.
Prime Minister Garibašvili says Georgia is loyal to the values of the Atlantic Alliance and Europe. Members of his party, however, attack the West. Expert: Georgian Dream trying to juggle pro-Russian and pro-European sentiments in Georgian society to stay in power.
