Imedi TV owner claims EU elements bothered by loss of influence in Georgia

Irakli Rukhadze, the owner of Imedi TV, on Friday said that certain external actors were concerned about the “loss of influence” they once held over Georgia.

Rukhadze claimed that these unnamed groups view the situation as one where they are “losing influence over Georgia”, adding that this is “not convenient” for them, especially given the European Union’s own political views.

“There are some people there [abroad] who are very much bothered that such an influence over Georgia, which existed, is being lost. From their point of view, they are losing influence over Georgia. The European Union has its own political views, and this is not convenient for them”, Rukhadze said.

The Imedi TV owner recalled a recent interview he gave to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which he undertook to reach audiences who may not watch Imedi TV.

He claimed that after the interview, the outlet quickly published what he characterised as a list of “six or seven lies” he had supposedly said, which he maintains were all factual.

Rukhadze stated that he and his team provided evidence for his claims, such as the fact that over 80% of the Georgian people want dialogue with Russia (and showing the supporting survey), his claim that Georgia is one of the “green countries” east of the EU, before Japan and South Korea (and providing the supporting data). He then concluded that the reaction was driven by the principle that “perception is key, not the fact”.

“Because they didn't like it, it means I told a lie. That's it! Perception is the main thing, not the facts. The main thing is that what you didn't like, you immediately say that it was a lie. Despite the fact that everything was true”, he noted.

Rukhadze concluded by suggesting that a “huge lie” is currently being propagated, claiming that many people in the European Parliament are “not aware of what is happening” in Georgia and only retain a five-minute-level understanding of the country.

He reiterated his central point that this entire struggle is being waged by people who “are very much bothered” by their perceived loss of control and influence over Georgia.