Georgian Parliament Speaker: every day that we do not listen to Brussels, we move forward economically - every day that we listen to Brussels, we will go backward economically

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday commented on the country's economic trajectory, suggesting that Georgia’s growth was directly tied to its independence from European Union directives.

Speaking with journalists, Papuashvili reacted to the latest data from the National Statistics Office of Georgia, which indicates that the Georgian economy grew by 7.2% in December.

“Every day that we do not listen to Brussels, we move forward economically. Every day that we listen to Brussels, we will go backward economically”, the Speaker said.

“Regarding economic growth, we are leaders not only in the region but across Europe. The most recent events, where demand for Georgian eurobonds has increased several times over, confirm that confidence in the Georgian economy is rising”, he continued.

Papuashvili further added that Georgia’s success was built on two pillars - sound domestic policy and a willingness to diverge from the path suggested by Brussels.

“Two factors contribute to economic growth. The first is Georgia’s sound economic policy and the correct priorities, and the second is that we do not listen to Brussels”, the Speaker concluded.