PM Kobakhidze slams EU ‘disinformation’, hails economic growth

PM Irakli Kobakhidze has criticised what he described as “disinformation” from parts of the European bureaucracy, while also pointing to strong economic growth in Georgia.

Speaking to Georgian journalists in Yerevan, Kobakhidze said statements from some European officials about Georgia were “unfair”, expressing hope that what he called a negative trend would change.

He said certain politicians attending the summit had previously made critical remarks about Georgia. At the same time, Kobakhidze noted that in his meetings with leaders during the summit, he had not heard criticism in direct discussions and had instead shared his government’s positions.

Alongside his comments on foreign relations, Kobakhidze highlighted economic performance, saying international financial institutions have positively assessed Georgia’s economic policy.

He said the government’s economic team and legislation are focused on maximising growth, alongside anti-corruption measures and monetary policy led by the central bank.

Kobakhidze claimed that Georgia recorded 9.1% economic growth in the first quarter, despite challenges such as a decline in tourism linked to instability in the Middle East.

He acknowledged that challenges remained, noting that around 350,000 people still live below the poverty line and that average wages remained relatively low.