Georgia's opposition slams the government for threatening the United States

Georgian opposition lawmakers have condemned hints and clear assertions by ruling Georgian Dream (GD) leaders and supporters that Credit Suisse's reported delay in paying Bidzina Ivanishvili USD 600 million was a concerted foreign intervention aimed at pushing Georgia toward war.

According to Petre Tsiskarishvili, General Secretary of the United National Movement, GD chairperson Irakli Kobakhidze's words indicate that the Georgian Dream views the United States and the European Union as pawns of the UNM working with a Swiss bank to target Ivanishvili. "They've built their reputation on this folly and madness in the hopes of saving Bidzina Ivanishvili's capital," he remarked. "We must pay attention and not allow… [Ivanishvili] to negotiate at the expense of Georgia's national interests," Tsiskarishvili continued, adding that the ex-prime minister should not be allowed to threaten the West with "turning Georgia into a Russian province" if his financial interests are not protected.

Another UNM official, MP Levan Khabeishvili, talked of the danger that the GD words foreshadow. "Practically, Kobakhidze and Georgian Dream leaders exploited the future of our nation and its population as a threat," he stated, "that as soon as Bidzina Ivanishvili's millions confront a difficulty, you will see what we do."

The GD storylines, according to Badri Japaridze, General Secretary of the Lelo party, are an extension of Russian propaganda activities. He claims that GD's words are a form of pro-Russian soft power aimed at instilling in people the belief that the United States, a key ally, is pulling Georgia into war. "What we're seeing is an attempt to tarnish America's, NATO's, and the EU's image," Japaridze stated.

GD criticised by U.S. Ambassador to Georgia

Georgian Dream Chair Irakli Kobakhidze's allegation — potentially implying the US — that the delay in Credit Suisse's payment to billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili was part of a planned campaign from overseas to lead Georgia into conflict with Russia perplexed U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan.

"I believe that remarks that have no foundation in truth and are made in a way that causes public misunderstanding are quite harmful," the Ambassador told reporters. "It's the type of misinformation that, in my opinion, only serves to confuse and divide people." The U.S. envoy stated that she would not be able to provide any more information, claiming that it was unclear what the Georgian Dream leader was referring to.

GD refutes claims that U.S. pushing Georgia toward war

When the ruling party members discussed the alleged coordinated actions, GD Chair Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters that no one mentioned the United States. Instead, he retaliated against political opponents who accused the GD of being anti-American, arguing that "you can decide for yourself who leads an anti-US campaign when the ruling party does not mention America and the opposition does."

"In Georgia, there is freedom of expression, and everyone may express their views," he continued. He also dismissed suggestions that Ivanishvili may face Western penalties, claiming that the GD founder is "in no way" related to Russia's war against Ukraine. MP Kobakhidze then continued with the GD's stance that Ivanishvili's recent setbacks may be "blackmail, not punishment." In this regard, the GD Chair also mentioned Ivanishvili's lawyer's report, which stated that the billionaire had problems transferring artwork from London and New York, as well as a helicopter from Germany.

On May 11, Gia Volski, the First Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, declared that the United States' involvement in the purported coordinated attempts is mostly ruled out. The senior GD legislator also stated that "the Swiss bank's inappropriate, dishonest acts" were unlikely to be the cause of the payment delay. "We should not rule out other considerations as well," Volski said, claiming that Russia may have a vested interest in maintaining destabilisation in Georgia because it is the only country that may serve as an alternate energy transit route.

Georgian Dream chair: "Certain forces are pushing the GD founder, former PM Bidzina Ivanishvili to return to politics and make a choice for war”

Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of the Georgian Dream party, claimed that foreign powers are pressuring the GD founder, former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, to return to politics and plan for war. 

The bizarre charge, which has been echoed by pro-government commentators in what appears to be a concerted effort, comes as Credit Suisse, a Swiss investment bank, is alleged to be delaying payment of roughly USD 600 million to Ivanishvili, which he obtained in a court settlement.

"If someone is trying to force Bidzina Ivanishvili back into Georgian politics against his will so that the country enters the [Ukraine] conflict," Kobakhidze claimed, "they don't know Bidzina Ivanishvili well."

Imedi TV, which is tightly tied with the Georgian Dream to boost its public relations narrative, aired multiple news pieces with governing party analysts outright condemning the US. As indicated by the Swiss bank delaying the flow of cash to Bidzina Ivanishvili, philosopher Zaza Shatirishvili declared that the US is the only force "that gives commands" and is attempting to entangle Georgia in the Russo-Ukrainian war.