Opposition politician Gotsiridze slams government-backed supermarket discount initiative

Opposition politician Roman Gotsiridze has criticised a new supermarket discount initiative, accusing the government of presenting existing promotional offers as a major effort to reduce food prices.

Several large retail chains in Georgia have recently introduced designated “food basket” sections offering discounts on 15 essential products, including oil, rice, buckwheat, pasta, bread and sugar.

The initiative follows discussions between the government and businesses on consumer prices and has been presented by officials as part of efforts to ease pressure on households.

Gotsiridze, however, argued that supermarkets had simply grouped together products that were already being sold at discounted prices during regular promotions.

“What used to be sold at a discount as part of ordinary promotions has now simply been placed together in a separate corner and presented as fulfilment of the government’s promise to reduce food prices,” he said.

The opposition politician questioned whether the discounts would remain permanent and argued that the policy could ultimately lead to higher prices for other goods.

“They reduced prices slightly on 15 products, but they will increase prices on 1,500 others,” Gotsiridze said, adding that supermarket chains could increase overall profits while also putting pressure on smaller neighbourhood shops.

He described the initiative as “throwing dust in people’s eyes” and criticised the results of the government commission that had spent months examining consumer price issues.