Georgian PM vows domestic affairs ‘will be free’, ‘no problems’ amid ongoing political tensions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed on Thursday that businesses across the country would “remain free” and “not face challenges” amid domestic political tensions with ongoing public protests against the government’s decision not to hold European Union accession talks on the agenda until 2028.

Making the comment in an interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze emphasized the Government’s responsibility for “significant achievement” in “ensuring business freedom” since the ruling party came to power in 2012.

The Prime Minister criticized the “disinformation propagated by some media outlets and domestic political figures” regarding the Government’s decision, urging business leaders to “engage responsibly” with the information provided.

If you are a businessman, you should have a little more responsibility to read (the Government Statement) cover to cover. The first paragraph stipulates that we not only continue our efforts towards European integration, but also aim to become a member of the EU by 2030, (and that) we will fulfill over 90% of the obligations provided for in the Association and Free Trade Agreements (with the bloc ),” said Kobakhidze.

When you have (this statement) and find yourself believing the falsehood that was initially spread by Mtavari (Arkhi), Formula and TV Pirveli, and later repeated by the European Union Ambassador (about the suspension of the EU integration Government), I see a problem of good faith here. This raises concerns about indifference to one’s own country,” he added.

When you make a political statement, whether you’re a businessman or anyone else, it’s important to take responsibility for what you say. You should be careful and read carefully the statement you are responding to. Everything is clearly exposed, yet some continue to repeat the falsehoods spread by the United National Movement media and echoed by the EU ambassador. This behavior indicates dishonesty. They are aware of the facts, which is why they avoid public discussions,” said Kobakhidze.

The prime minister said the opening of negotiations “should not be seen as a singular issue (used) for blackmail against Georgia.” He stressed the importance of regular European Council meetings to “prevent the subject from being used as leverage”.

What is important for us is that the European Council meets once a quarter and they do not allow this issue to become a point of blackmail against the Georgian people. This is the main problem we set out to avoid. I’m ready for anything else,” he said.

Kobakhidze emphasized the government’s “commitment” to European integration, saying it remains a “primary option without alternative” for the country.

During the interview, the Prime Minister claimed that “businesses are being pressured”, particularly by “those linked to the previous government”, and warned against “a return to the political racketeering seen before 2012”.

Even today, they pressure businesses, engage in bullying and try to meddle in politics as they did before 2012. However, they can no longer function in the same way; they can no longer seize property or extort money from people. However, in this form, they are trying to undermine business,” Kobakhidze claimed.

If a businessman chooses to align himself with those political forces, it suggests to me that he is simply waiting to resist political change. I have no other explanation for this situation. Regardless, business will remain free, which is our main achievement since 2012, and business will not face problems. We are committed to ensuring this,” he added.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that business “should not meddle deeply in political affairs.”

Just as government cannot infringe on the freedom of business, business cannot enter politics to such an extent. These principles apply in all countries. However, when scenarios like Maidan (the protests in Ukraine between 2013-2014) are created, these principles seem to no longer apply. One of the aims of our detractors is to undermine all principles in the state to achieve their goals,” he said.

In comments at his recent meeting with the domestic business community, Kobakhidze suggested business representatives share their views on the discussion. He described the meeting as “important” to him, adding that it “allowed for an exchange of views” and the opportunity for participants to “ask critical questions,” “many of which,” he said, were addressed during the meeting.

Everyone has heard the questions and answers, and I think most business leaders have answered their questions, whether they were related to European integration or general stability. We have promised everyone that we will ensure stability, peace and tranquility in our country,” he said.

The prime minister noted that “short-term fluctuations” in the economy “always have an impact on business” and the national currency’s exchange rate, adding that in the past both the exchange rate and the general economic situation had “stabilized quickly each given” following political policies. tensions.

The situation is similar now. As soon as this resource-intensive problem was solved, the exchange rate of the lari immediately stabilized. Of course, the National Bank played an important role in this process, and economic conditions are gradually becoming more stable. From January, we anticipate a full return to the pace of economic growth that we have experienced in the last four years, so there is no threat to business in this matter,” he said.

After our meeting, we aimed to hold a public discussion with business representatives who expressed critical views, in an open format. When we contacted them, they asked us not to reveal their names; however, most people would probably understand who we mean. In the end, they declined the invitation for a public discussion. If they think they’re right, why not join the conversation? They seemed hesitant and refused to commit to a live show. We aimed to facilitate a constructive discussion,” added Kobakhidze.

In response to a question about his views on domestic companies that have taken positions critical of the Government but “profit from economic ties with Russia”, the Prime Minister claimed that “some people are angry about the Government’s pragmatic policy”.

In response to this, we ask them: if you trade with Russia and export your goods, how can you simultaneously demand that we take an impractical approach to Russia and impose the same sanctions (countries as the international sanctions imposed on it? the invasion of Ukraine) ?” Kobakhidze said.

When the European Parliament urged us to impose sanctions on Russia, did anyone raise a critical voice against their demands? (They prefer) to continue trade relations with Russia, and we cannot blame them for this – on the contrary, we ourselves are in favor of maintaining trade relations with Russia. However, if you are a businessman who profits from this and engages in trade with Russia, why did you not speak out against the unreasonable demands of the European Parliament to the Georgian authorities?” he added.

Kobakhidze concluded by claiming that the companies concerned “have not answered these questions, which is why they are struggling to participate in the discussions”.