Georgian PM says his Gov’t has “ambition” to join “top three European countries” by lack of corruption

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday told the country’s Parliament his Government had the “ambition” to join “top three European countries” in rankings of lack of corruption, after being ranked “ahead of almost 10 EU member states” with the measure.

In his annual report to the legislative institution, Kobakhidze said “very important measures” were being implemented by his Government to combat corruption, adding it will continue and next year would mark a “fundamental difference” as “we have created the foundations for the future development of the country”.

"During these four and a half months, in addition to the implementation of specific measures, we have created the foundations for the future development of the country, and all this is reflected in the four-year election program, which, after we win the parliamentary elections [in October], will be translated into the four-year government programe”, he said.

Kobakhidze also told MPs the new Government programe covered “all priorities and special efforts in all directions”, adding “most importantly, we continue to focus on protecting the national interests”.