While Saakashvili's health was the official reason for Kyiv to order the Georgian ambassador to leave, more far-reaching dissatisfaction is believed to be behind the decision.
The release of Nika Gvaramia, founder of the pro-opposition Mtavari TV, is believed to improve the country's chances of getting EU candidate status later this year.
Discontent simmers while Georgian Manganese, the leading exporter of ferroalloys and manganese ores, says it is unable to sell what used to be the country's key export product.
The figurehead president warned that denying EU membership candidate status would embolden Russia and empower the already-ascendant forces of illiberalism in Georgia.
Tbilisi seems to be facilitating Armenia-Russia maritime links, but has no intention, for now, of reviving the railway connection through breakaway Abkhazia.