Tbilisi mayor links economic growth to peace amid IMF outlook

The Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, has said that Georgia’s economic progress is closely tied to maintaining peace, as he responded to a question about long-term global economic forecasts published by the International Monetary Fund.

Kaladze on Thursday said positive projections for Georgia’s economy were not accidental, arguing they reflected the government’s policy of prioritising stability.

“Economic development and progress are brought by peace,” he said, adding that the cost of preserving stability has been recognised by much of the population.

He reiterated the government’s position that national interests must remain paramount, and that Georgia would not be compelled to take decisions that could harm its economy.

Kaladze also referred to alleged calls for opening a “second front” or joining international sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, saying such steps would be damaging to the country.

He further noted that maintaining peace has enabled economic growth and created more opportunities, which he said would, in the long term, benefit households still facing financial difficulties.