Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze highlighted the significant progress Georgia has made in various areas, attributing these advancements to the policies of the current government. He made these remarks in response to a media query about a recent Diversity of Democracy study, which ranked Georgia significantly higher in the democracy index.

“We have achieved tangible results due to the correct policies pursued by our current government. Our pragmatic approach, despite criticism from radicals and their so-called non-governmental organizations supported by our Western friends, has shown its effectiveness. Their rhetoric has changed because of the undeniable results we’re discussing now, results recognized even in the West. By all criteria, Georgia is a successful country, and this success is our achievement, together with the population,” Kaladze stated.

Addressing a question about the suspension of grants from Western partners, Kaladze contrasted the Western funds with the contributions of Bidzina Ivanishvili, who, as he noted, spent three billion dollars on charitable activities.

“The strategic partnership with Georgia is invaluable, far exceeding, say, 30 million over 12 years. Much has been accomplished since 2012, and we have progressed in all areas despite existing challenges, which we are committed to overcoming in the coming years. The comparison is simple: the situation before 2012 versus the situation today,” Kaladze emphasized.

He further stated that there is no justification for stopping Western funding.

“There is no valid argument to stop providing finance or loans. The country is developing economically, and moving forward, the quality of democracy is very high. We have made concrete steps and achieved results on the path to European integration. Therefore, there is no ground to halt the loans. If someone wants to oppress and twist the country’s hands, that is their business, but we will do everything to maintain peace in the country. The interests, sovereignty, and independence of Georgia are not for sale,” Kaladze concluded.