Economist Soso Berikashvili believes that the recent anti-corruption rhetoric by GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is a strategic move to deflect attention from underlying economic problems.
Speaking on TV-program Analytics, Berikashvili argued that the ruling Georgian Dream party is preparing to sacrifice select officials as scapegoats in order to maintain public support.
“I think this whole story of exposing corruption has a political motive. They know corruption exists. Irakli Kobakhidze himself may not be personally corrupt, but the former Deputy Minister of Economy has already been arrested. The timing and emphasis on this issue suggest that the economy is not in good shape, and they need someone to blame.”
According to Berikashvili, this tactic is common in authoritarian regimes:
“This is not some new approach, authoritarian governments behave this way. They shift blame onto so-called ‘enemies of the people.’ People who were once praised suddenly become expendable. They will sacrifice a few individuals so that others can protect themselves, at least temporarily.”
The remarks come amid growing public scrutiny of corruption allegations within state institutions and government bodies. While the government has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, critics argue that the selective targeting of officials may serve political rather than justice-oriented goals.
Berikashvili's comments add to the broader debate about governance in Georgia, raising concerns that the fight against corruption could be weaponized to manage public perception and suppress dissent, rather than to ensure real institutional reform.
