“Ill-wishers, collective UNM, and their foreign allies are extremely concerned about Georgia’s economic progress. Their xenophobic campaigns and political provocations aimed at an artificial reduction of the tourist flows in the country are related to this,” said Irakli Kobakhidze, Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, elaborating on the economic growth index for January-June 2023 based on which Georgia’s economy went up by 7.6%.

According to Kobakhidze, the Georgian government’s effective economic policy also resulted in keeping peace in the country. He went on to recap the PM’s recent visit to China and the establishment of a strategic partnership between Georgia and China.

The GD Chair stressed that economic growth was a significant factor in fulfilling Georgia’s political goals, including European integration. He emphasized that Georgia’s economy should exceed USD 10 thousand for Georgia to join the EU.

Remarking on the July 31 protest of Georgian citizens at the Batumi port against the entry of the Astoria Grande cruise ship with Russian citizens on board and revenues from tourism, Kobakhidze reminded how ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili used to host Russian tourists at the Larsi border checkpoint and him cancelling visas for Russian citizens.

“Such hypocrisy and pseudo-anti-Russian double standards clearly indicate that anti-state political goals and external tasks dictate all political provocations, including yesterday’s rally in Batumi,” Kobakhidze stated.

The GD Chair explained that Astoria Grande, a cruise ship flying the Palau flag, is not sanctioned and sails freely across the seas. It did not violate the Law on Occupation and brought tourists not only from Russia but from other countries as well. Kobakhidze asked whether there is a difference between the visitors arriving by air, land, or sea.

Irakli Kobakhidze said the primary purpose of organizing provocations was to cause disorder and inflict harm on the country politically and economically. He thanked the police for their adequate reaction and for protecting public order and state interests.

“I call on the society to closely observe each act of the war and treason party, collective National Movement (UNM). It is vitally important that in October 2024, the Georgian society delivers a decisive political verdict to the collective National Movement, which would be a necessary condition for maintaining peace in the country and for the progress and development of Georgia,” he said.