PM unveils two main ‘national goals’ in annual address

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has unveiled what he described as the two main national aspirations of Georgia - the eradication of poverty and the restoration of territorial integrity. Speaking during his annual address to Parliament, Kobakhidze said that every action taken by his government was aimed at achieving the goals. 

“We have two main Georgian dreams – to finally overcome poverty in our country and to restore our territorial integrity,” the Prime Minister told lawmakers. “We are moving toward poverty reduction at a very fast pace, and I believe we can fully achieve this goal in the medium term. As for territorial integrity, it remains our national dream.”

He added that the government's strategy rested on unity and teamwork, expressing confidence that with collective effort, both objectives will be fulfilled. “Our country will continue to progress and develop,” he said.

In addition to outlining long-term goals, Kobakhidze announced new steps to improve transparency and efficiency in public procurement. These included standardising infrastructure projects - such as schools, kindergartens, and sports facilities - to reduce costs, prevent corruption, and improve quality.

“We are actively working to improve procurement practices and enhance cost-effectiveness and quality control of infrastructure projects,” Kobakhidze claimed. “The introduction of standardisation will help reduce design costs, minimise corruption risks, and ensure higher standards.”

He said the government would strengthen coordination between key oversight bodies, including the State Audit Office and the Anti-Corruption Service. “We have strengthened the Efficiency Department within the government administration, which will focus specifically on these issues,” he added.

The Prime Minister also issued a warning against what he described as covert foreign-funded efforts to undermine state institutions and national identity.

“We will not allow arbitrariness against the state. We will strongly oppose any attempt to weaken our sovereignty, undermine our national values, or impose false narratives - especially when funded secretly from abroad,” Kobakhidze said.

Referencing Georgia’s ancient heritage and statehood dating back to King Parnavaz in the 3rd century BC, he paid tribute to the nation’s historical defenders, including those who fought in the 1990s and the 2008 war with Russia.

“We have a proud and dignified country. Our responsibility is to protect what our ancestors built and to defend the national interests of our state,” Kobakhidze concluded.