Georgian PM claims “some businesses anticipating potential return of ’collective UNM’ to power”, vows it “won’t happen under any circumstances”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said “certain businessmen” were “linked to relevant forces anticipating advantages from a potential return of the ’collective United National Movement’ opposition to power”, but emphasised the scenario “would not take place under any circumstances”.

Kobakhidze said the Government was being “criticised for its pragmatic approach to relations with Russia”, while pointing out “many of these individuals are beneficiaries of the same policies”.

Here it appears that they simply have a political bias, and this political bias is the main reason they make inappropriate statements. At the same time, they trade with Russia and do not condemn, for example, the resolution of the European Parliament, which demands the [Georgian Government’s] imposition of sanctions on Russia”, he said.

The only thing such a double standard indicates is a political bias. Like the other 750,000 voters, they wanted a collective UNM to regain power, which they did not achieve”, he said in reference to general elections held in the country in October.

Now, in their disappointment, they speak with a double standard. When a businessman seeks to reclaim the political power that was initially marked by business racketeering, it is, to say the least, puzzling”, Kobakhidze added in reference to policies towards businesses during the previous Government.

The Prime Minister also pledged freedom of business would be “absolutely guaranteed” by the Government.