Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has stated that the events happening in Georgia are driven entirely by the Georgian people, not by instructions from abroad. He made these remarks to journalists in response to a question regarding recent statements by U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson.

“The first thing I can tell you in all sincerity is that Georgia is under the influence of the Georgian people. This is paramount, and as a rank-and-file member of the Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party, I am proud of the policies and decisions our team has made in recent years, which have effectively restored power to the Georgian people. It is the Georgian people who decide who will be in government tomorrow, the day after, and in the future, and who they will entrust with the nation’s destiny, not through instructions from abroad, as was the case before 2012.

As for Joe Wilson, I don’t think you should dwell on him; he is a frivolous man, judging by his statements and his attitude towards Georgia. I am certain that if you showed him a map, he wouldn’t even be able to find where Georgia is,” Kakha Kaladze stated.

When questioned about the criticism directed at Georgia at a time when European nations and the United States are establishing normal relations with China, the Mayor replied that the Georgian government acts strictly in the national interest.

“It is quite simply mind-boggling. If we look at the statements from President Trump and his administration, they are, on the contrary, talking about warming relations with China and making them even more amicable; he directly calls the Chinese President his friend. Similarly, European leaders, presidents, and officials are all talking about the importance of deepening relations and a strategic partnership with China. We, too, operate based on our own interests and pursue policies that are vital for our country and our people,” Kakha Kaladze noted.