Georgia's post-pandemic recovery has been marked by strong macroeconomic performance, with real GDP surpassing pre-pandemic trends and labor market indicators showing notable improvement. However, this research note examines whether this recovery reflects genuine structural transformation or masks deeper challenges of labor market polarization.

The Polarization Index fluctuated significantly throughout April, peaking in response to several contentious events: Kavelashvili signed laws on the registration of foreign agents and restrictions on the media; Georgian Dream announced a ban on issuing foreign grants without government approval; Davit Doiashvili was dismissed from his position as Artistic Director of the New Theatre; and searches were conducted in the homes of founders of charitable organizations.

Polarization fluctuated throughout the month. The month began with heightened political tensions; however, the situation temporarily stabilized thereafter. The level of polarization gradually increased following the freezing of charity funds and peaked during the sessions of the parliamentary investigative commission established at the initiative of the "Georgian Dream" party.

The Media Polarization Index remained high in February, influenced by restrictive laws that suppress demonstrations, controversial regulations affecting the media, and a Foreign Agents Registration Act-like (FARA) law. In addition, significant events such as a major tragedy in Batumi, heavy snowfall in Guria, and developments in Trump's foreign policy contributed to the polarized environment.

In January, several significant events marked Georgia's political landscape: journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli's arrest and subsequent hunger strike, an assault on Giorgi Gakharia, Donald Trump's inauguration, the European Union's suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders, and Georgian Dream's withdrawal from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Political polarization remained at high levels, showing no improvement from previous years.