Former PM Giorgi Gakharia rules out return to Georgia in near future

Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia on Monday said he does not plan to return to Georgia in the near future, stressing that his absence should not be seen as surprising.

“I want to emphasise that I am not planning to come to Tbilisi anytime soon, and there is nothing unusual about this. I do not believe that [ruling] Georgian Dream [party] currently has the resources to arrest me, even though several cases have been launched and investigations are ongoing”, Gakharia said in an interview with TV Pirveli.

“However, what the ruling party does have is enough resources to restrict my political and party activities if I am in Georgia. They could summon me for questioning, create publicity stunts, limit my ability to leave the country, and restrict my mobility”, he added.

Gakharia said he had recently obtained a German residence permit, which allows him to continue long-term work in Europe while complying with formal procedures.

“This is simply a long-term visa, which enables me to carry out professional activities in Europe. I am not talking about seeking employment – my work will be tied to the party, the country, and expert-level projects. Together with experts, we are preparing an initiative that will soon be made public”, Gakharia said.

“This is not a case of political asylum, and attempts to present it as such are misleading. The permit is strictly for professional activities, which will remain directly connected to Georgia, its European future, and expert work on EU integration and enlargement, particularly regarding Eastern Europe”, he added.