Georgian domestic business should be free from problems caused by political tensions

As Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze pledged on Thursday, 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.
Kobakhidze emphasized on the Government’s responsibility for the “significant achievement” of “ensuring business freedom” since the ruling party came to power in 2012 in an interview with Imedi TV.
“Misinformation propagated by some domestic media outlets and political figures” regarding the Government’s decision, urging business leaders to “engage responsibly” with the information provided was criticized by the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the opening of negotiations “should not be viewed as a singular issue [used] for blackmail against Georgia”, and that regular European Council meetings to “prevent the subject from being used as leverage” are extremely important.
The Government’s “commitment” to European integration was underscored by Kobakhidze. He asserted that it remained a “primary choice without alternative” for the country.
“Pressures being placed on businesses”, particularly by “those linked to the previous Government”, was alleged by the Prime Minister during the interview. Kobakhidze also warned against “return of political racketeering seen before 2012” and expressed the opinion that business “should not interfere deeply in political affairs”.
The business representatives were invited by Kobakhidze to share their thoughts on the discussion in comments on his recent meeting with the domestic business community. The gathering was described by him as “important”. The minister also added that it had allowed the participants to exchange their opinions and had given them an opportunity to “ask critical questions”.
According to the Prime Minister, businesses has always been impacted by “short-term fluctuations” in the economy and by the exchange rate of the national currency. He added that in the past, both the exchange rate and the overall economic situation had “stabilized quickly each time” after political tensions.
When Kobakhidze was asked about his views on domestic companies who took critical positions with regards to the Government but “profit from economic ties with Russia”, the Prime Minister claimed that “some people resent the Government’s pragmatic policy”.
In conclusion Kobakhidze said that the businesses in question did “not have answers to these questions, which is why they struggle to participate in the discussions”.

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