Georgia aims to rank among Europe’s least corrupt countries, PM

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has claimed Georgia was pursuing an “ambitious but realistic” goal of joining the top three European countries with the lowest levels of corruption.

Speaking at a government meeting on Friday, Kobakhidze said reforms had already been undertaken - particularly in privatisation and state-owned enterprise efficiency - demonstrated progress and will continue.

“Everything must be done to achieve this ambitious goal of placing Georgia among the top three European countries in terms of low corruption,” he said. “With the steps that are being taken, we will definitely achieve this goal.”

Kobakhidze highlighted a shift to auction-based privatisation, which he said maximised public benefit and transparency. He also noted “significant cost reductions” in state-owned entities.

“Tens of millions of lari have been saved annually through staffing optimisation, and the optimisation of state enterprises alone has produced savings of around 700 million GEL,” he stated.

The prime minister reaffirmed that anti-corruption efforts and efficient public spending will remain priorities for the government as it works to improve Georgia’s standing in Europe.