The Georgian government is refusing EU financial assistance. The relevant statement was made by Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili today.
For reference: Irakli Kobakhidze, the chairman of the Georgian Dream, told Palitranews yesterday that receiving macro-financial assistance from the EU no longer has a financial purpose. He also believes that if the European Union blocks this financial assistance to Georgia, it will not be considered a sanction.
Today, Irakli Gharibashvili told the media that the Georgian government is grateful for all the EU assistance they have provided to Georgia, including during the management of the Covid Pandemic, but that there is no need to borrow an additional € 75 million.
"As for macro-financial assistance, I would like to remind the population that this is a loan, part of which we took in 2020. This is the second part of a 75 million loan. This is not a grant or assistance, about which the Ministry of Finance will comment later.
This year, since we have already started reducing our foreign debt, there is a high probability that we will no longer need to receive this amount. We are, of course, very grateful for all the EU assistance including in the management of the Covid Pandemic, and in general. On the other hand, this issue has been largely politically charged. Therefore, in order to avoid any insinuations, the government decided to refrain from taking the second part of the loan.
The main motive is that we have gradually started to reduce foreign debt. As you know, we have very good, double-digit economic growth. According to preliminary information, the growth in July will be about 10%, and in 7 months will be a total of 12.2%. This will generate additional revenue in the budget and by maintaining this pace, we will most likely have double-digit growth by the end of the year. No extra speculation is needed here. Our opponents have switched to a sabotage regime to hinder our country’s progress towards the West. Of course, their attitude is hostile and harmful," Irakli Gharibashvili said, criticizing former President Mikheil Saakashvili once again.
