Georgian PM: Bidzina Ivanishvili acts in national interest despite existing sanctions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday addressed questions from journalists regarding possible sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the ruling Georgian Dream party's founder and Honorary Chair, stating that while sanctions - including de facto measures - exist, they have not led to any anti-state actions on Ivanishvili's part.

“The sanctions exist, including de facto sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, and this has not resulted in any anti-state steps, naturally, on his part”, the PM said.

He emphasised that Ivanishvili acts in accordance with national interests and cannot be coerced.

“He takes all steps in line with national interests, and no form of blackmail works against Bidzina Ivanishvili. Therefore, the sanctions are not a matter of concern; you are trying to artificially raise this topic”, Kobakhidze concluded.