Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says he sees no reason to suspect misappropriation of funds allocated for the funeral of Patriarch Ilia II, arguing that the government’s publication of detailed expenses has answered the questions raised.
According to Kobakhidze, GEL 3 million was allocated to the Ministry of Culture for the funeral, of which approximately GEL 722,000 was spent. More than GEL 2.2 million was returned to the state budget.
The published breakdown details spending on individual items, including transportation for choir leaders and uninterrupted electricity supply. Kobakhidze said the public could review the expenses and compare them with market prices to determine whether the costs were reasonable.
The prime minister added that the government had examined the expenses in detail and rejected allegations that the funds had been stolen, claiming that the controversy had led even well-intentioned people to believe the accusations.
