Tbilisi mayor calls EPP sanctions request against Ivanishvili ‘double standard’

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has criticized the European People’s Party (EPP) for calling for sanctions against former Prime Minister and ruling Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, describing the move as an example of “double standards.”

“It is an example of double standards. These organizations, parties, and certain high-ranking officials are under the influence of the ‘deep state.’ They oppose the Georgian people and take unscrupulous actions to encourage crime and violence and to divide society. Most importantly, the Georgian people have clearly analyzed who is who and whose interests are at stake regarding Georgia,” Kaladze told the press on Thursday.

Kaladze added that Ivanishvili’s political and social influence explained why he had become a target of the efforts.

“Bidzina Ivanishvili is a major figure in the country, enjoying significant support among the Georgian public. In 2012, he united the majority of the population and defeated the enemies of the country  - what is referred to as the ‘global war party,’ represented in Georgia and in other countries. Through his strong character, he demonstrated the importance of national interests. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that today, the person being targeted is Bidzina Ivanishvili,” the mayor said.