Ruling party Sec Gen says Gov’t’ will always act in best interest of Georgia, not in line with any major power’s agenda

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday addressed the freezing of accounts belonging to several so-called “foundations”, stating that “when funds are spent to destroy the country and create problems for the state, there will always be a response”.

In his remarks, Kaladze noted that the ongoing investigation would determine the origins of these funds and how they were spent.

“An investigation is underway. When funds are spent to destroy the country, create problems for the state, and create discomfort for the people, there will always be a response. Of course, it must be determined where these funds come from and who is financing attempts to destabilise the country”, the ruling party official said.

He further addressed a question regarding the US President’s position on ensuring transparency in donor organisations’ funding.

“We have spoken openly about this, though we will refrain from naming individuals. We have publicly informed the public about the situation regarding Georgia - how there were demands to open a second front [amid the ongoing war in Ukraine], how they insisted on [Georgia] joining sanctions. Initially, these demands were denied, but later, they were even included it in a resolution. In the future, we may see resolutions criticising us for not opening a second front - nothing is off the table”, he continued.

Kaladze highlighted that the Georgian Government had simply stood where the country’s interests required them to stand.

“We defended our national interests. Looking back at what we have gone through, I believe Georgia stands victorious today. Of course, it was not easy - there was immense pressure, blackmail, and threats, which continue even now. But for us, the guiding principle has always been our country, its interests, its future, and our people”, he pointed out.

“That is why we will always act in the best interest of our homeland, not according to the agenda of any major power”, Kaladze concluded.