Georgian PM: accepting loans from Western allies “no subject of speculation” after reports on French funding

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday addressed reports the Government had taken a loan from France for specific domestic projects by saying the issue “was not a matter of any speculation”.

If the country receives aid, we welcome it. If the country needs to take out a loan and does so, we also welcome it. This is not a matter of speculation. There is no room for speculation here”, he said in response to a press question about the loan on the backdrop of the Government’s criticism of some of its Western partners.

The official described borrowing as a “routine process” for the country. "Taking out a loan is a normal, ongoing process. The country receives loans from various sources every year. Our loan volume is up to 40 percent of the gross domestic product. These loans may come from both Western and Eastern sources. This is a normal, ongoing process”, he noted.

The PM also dismissed allegations of criticism towards Western partners as unwarranted. 

"Sometimes we must defend ourselves against unfair claims. For instance, when [in April] 27 Ambassadors petitioned the Minister of Justice demanding the release of [imprisoned former President Mikheil] Saakashvili, asserting he was being mistreated, we had to respond”, he said.