Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday pledged businesses across the country would “remain free” and “face no challenges”, amid domestic political tensions with ongoing public protests against the Government’s decision not to have European Union accession talks on agenda until 2028.
Making the comment in an interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze emphasised the Government's responsibility for the “significant achievement” of “ensuring business freedom” since the ruling party came to power in 2012.
The Prime Minister criticised “misinformation being propagated by some domestic media outlets and 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] from cover to cover. The first paragraph states 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 meet over 90 percent of the obligations outlined in the Association and Free Trade agreements [with the bloc]”, Kobakhidze said.
"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 Ambassador of the European Union [about the Government suspending EU integration], I see an issue of good faith here. This raises concerns about indifference towards your own country”, he added.
"When making a political statement, whether you are a businessman or anyone else, it is important to take responsibility for what you say. You should be considerate and thoroughly read the statement you are responding to. Everything is laid out clearly, yet some continue to repeat the falsehoods spread by the United National Movement media and echoed by the EU Ambassador. This behaviour indicates dishonesty. They are aware of the facts, which is why they avoid public discussion”, Kobakhidze said.
The Prime Minister said the opening of negotiations “should not be viewed as a singular issue [used] for blackmail against Georgia”. He emphasised 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 issue we aimed to avoid. I am prepared for everything else”, he said.
Kobakhidze underscored the Government’s “commitment” to European integration, asserting it remained a “primary choice without alternative” for the country.
During the interview the Prime Minister alleged “pressures being placed on businesses”, particularly by “those linked to the previous Government”, and warned against “return of political racketeering seen before 2012”.
"Even today, they are applying pressure on businesses, engaging in bullying, and trying to meddle in politics just as they did before 2012. However, they can no longer operate in the same way; they can no longer confiscate property or extort money from people. However, in this form, they attempt to undermine business”, Kobakhidze claimed.
"If a businessman chooses to align with those political forces, it suggests to me that they are simply waiting to outlast the political changes. I have no other explanation for this situation. Regardless, business will remain free, which is our main achievement since 2012, and businesses will not face any problems. We are committed to ensuring this”, he added.
The Prime Minister also emphasised business “should not interfere deeply in political affairs”.
