“Ivanishvili fears no sanctions”, says Georgian PM, criticising Europe's “inappropriate actions”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, “is not afraid of sanctions”, a fact he believes has become abundantly clear to everyone.

The Prime Minister’s remarks to journalists focused on what he described as “informal sanctions” that have already impacted Ivanishvili, including the “freezing of $2 billion in an absolutely thuggish, shameful manner”.

“When we talk about Europe, let's look at this: is this appropriate behaviour for Europe? When, without any justification, through a commercial bank, $2 billion is withheld from a specific individual, especially someone who held a very high political office and still holds a high political position today. These are actions inappropriate for Europe”, the PM said.

“Thirty or forty years ago, we wouldn't have imagined such a thing from Europe, but unfortunately, Europe has been brought to this point. This is a result of the Deep State's activities and influence. Naturally, this situation is tragic. Consequently, Bidzina Ivanishvili is not afraid of either formal or informal sanctions. It's the same here; they come out and speak the language of blackmail. This will have no effect whatsoever”, he concluded.