Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili spoke with Georgian Public Broadcaster about a wide range of topics, including regional security, relations with Russia, the government's recently announced initiatives, and recent political developments, accusing some MEPs, US congressmen, and the public defender of Georgia of bias against the opposition.

Regional security and relations with Russia

The shifting power balance in the Caucasus area following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh military war, with Russia boosting its positions, was also mentioned by Georgia's PM. He also stated that Moscow has bolstered military positions in the Black Sea region.

He did point out, though, that Georgia, which has access to the Black Sea area, is a staunch ally of the EU, the US, and NATO.

Concerning ties with Russia, the prime minister stated that after taking office in 2012, the Georgian Dream administration implemented the suggestions of European and US friends to de-escalate relations with Russia. He said that the government has taken efforts to reduce security threats and to rebuild trade, economic, and cultural links, as well as people-to-people contacts.

But in terms of political relations, the PM said, the key problem remains that Russia “does not respect the sovereignty and the unity of our country and continues to occupy the territories of our country.”

Noting that currently Tbilisi and Moscow only has an informal direct dialogue on trade, economy, and culture via Abashidze-Karasin format, PM Garibashvili said any “direct contact” on political matters with Moscow requires “sound judgment, good preparation and should be result-oriented, not just a meeting for the sake of meeting.” Georgian people should be informed in advance about the potential outcomes of such a meeting, he said.

The prime minister also noted that the de-occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia “cannot happen by itself,” and should come as “a result of a decision by the Russian leadership,” adding it also requires multilateral complex work, involving Georgia’s partners.

Government’s New initiatives

PM Garibashvili stated that his government intends to present a new law on drugstore prices in parliament in December, with the goal of regulating the pharmacy sector by January at the latest. Without elaborating on the proposed bill's precise measures, the PM maintained that it would follow the lead of EU states in combating "unchecked medication costs."

According to Irakli Garibashvili, there is no competition in the pharmacy sector, as there are corporations that create medicine, distribute it, operate pharmacies, hospitals, and insurance companies all at the same time.

The Georgian prime minister also highlighted potential measures to tighten rules on internet casinos, stressing that the idea does not contradict his prior vow to establish a free economic zone in Gonio, a beach town near Batumi, which includes a gambling city.

While criticising internet casinos for wasting the money of local youth and the socially weak, the PM supported land casinos, claiming that they are largely attended by foreign nationals and tourists.