Georgia's illegitimate Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, met with dozens of business representatives at the government administration. Following the approximately four-hour meeting, several businessmen spoke to the media, with some expressing support for the policies of the Georgian Dream.
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"We discussed the entire journey we have taken over the past 12 years, including how both the business sector and the country have progressed. The country has not strayed from its path during these 12 years, and every business person recognizes this. There is no mention of anything extraordinary happening today - none at all. [The Prime Minister] explained everything thoroughly—what it was like, how it happened, and how they fought for us over these 12 years. He also detailed how many times there were revolutions and moments of misunderstanding. In short, they never allowed our country to rest," said Noshiko Namoradze, founder of VR Holding.
Giorgi Margvelashvili, the president of Tbilvino, believes the country is facing a crisis that needs to be addressed.
"The ruling power has the authority to resolve this crisis. They can step back from their position of strength, release the detainees, and call for new elections.
Many businessmen expressed critical opinions, including concerns about the detainees, the disproportionate use of force, and the treatment of prisoners. An initiative was proposed to continue these meetings, particularly with the group critical of the current events," Margvelashvili told journalists.
According to Zurab Chkhaidze, owner of the Kakhetian Traditional Winery and a major donor to Georgian Dream, the current pace of development in the country is very good.
"Given that the situation in the country is somewhat tense at the moment, opinions were shared - both critical views and perspectives from the business community. I support only peace, stability, and the country's development.
The government team has a specific plan to maintain the current pace of development. I believe this pace, as reflected in the monthly and quarterly data, is very good," Chkhaidze said.
When asked by TV company Pirveli whether there was any discussion of new elections, Chkhaidze replied, "Yes, in four years."
Dimitri Adamia, director of Itong Caucasus, stated that discussing new elections is unnecessary since Georgian Dream already won on October 26. He added, "Relations with the country's European and American partners will stabilize very soon."
"The Prime Minister assured us that our path to European integration is irreversible, that relations with the U.S. will be reset in January, and that everything will be very positive," said Adamia.
Lasha Papashvili, Vice President of the Georgian Business Association, emphasized that the current situation in the country "cannot continue like this" and stressed the importance of preserving the economy.
“It already seems that various sectors - whether tourism or the restaurant business - are in a very bad state.
We must all work together to overcome this situation. Both supporters and opponents of the government's policies were present in the room. The most important outcome was their agreement to hold a separate conversation, likely in an open-air setting, to continue the discussion. The names of those who opposed the Prime Minister have already been identified, and he will meet with them publicly.
The country is facing significant risks. We must strive for unity. There is already conflict within families, on the streets, and in society,” said Papashvili.
The meeting was also attended by Tea Zakaidze, General Director of TAV Georgia, the operator of Tbilisi and Batumi international airports. According to her, “it is necessary to take steps to halt what is happening in the country today, as it is harming business.” Zakaidze noted that the meeting also touched on the release of those arrested during the protests.
“[The response from Irakli Kobakhidze] was that the government would take immediate steps to resolve the situation in the country, so we can have a peaceful New Year. The Prime Minister said the prisoners will be released before the New Year,” Tea Zakaidze told journalists.
After Irakli Kobakhidze announced on November 28 that Georgian Dream would not prioritize EU accession negotiations until the end of 2028, continuous protests erupted across the country. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has repeatedly dispersed peaceful demonstrations using water cannons, tear gas, and other special means. Police and special forces have detained more than 400 people, many of whom suffered severe physical abuse during their detention.
The protest has now lasted for 26 days, with the primary demand being the scheduling of new parliamentary elections. More than 2200 companies have joined this demand.
