Irakli Kobakhidze Irakli Kobakhidze says that everyone has seen Bidzina Ivanishvili's fearlessness when it comes to sanctions. When two billion dollars are frozen without reason, it is not appropriate for Europe. It is the result of deep-state influence. This situation is tragic and unfortunately natural

**Georgian Prime Minister Stands Up to Sanctions Threat**

In a bold statement, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has declared that Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of “Georgian Dream,” is not afraid of either formal or informal sanctions. This comes in response to comments made by France’s Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, regarding the imposition of sanctions.

According to Prime Minister Kobakhidze, the freezing of two billion GEL (approximately $750 million USD) belonging to Bidzina Ivanishvili through a commercial bank was an “absolutely predatory and shameful manner.” He questioned whether such actions were befitting Europe. In his statement, he noted that this behavior was unbecoming of European standards and was the result of the influence of the “deep state.”

**A Sign of Weakness?**

Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s comments suggest that the Georgian government views sanctions as a sign of weakness rather than a credible threat. By downplaying the significance of sanctions, the Prime Minister may be trying to show that the Georgian Dream party is not intimidated by external pressure.

**The Impact on Europe’s Reputation**

However, the freezing of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s assets raises questions about Europe’s reputation for upholding democratic values and rule of law. The incident has sparked debate among experts about whether such actions are consistent with European standards.

In a deeper analysis, one can say that this situation highlights the complexities of Georgian politics and the intricate relationships between politicians and the business elite. The fact that two billion GEL was frozen without justification raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.

**Conclusion**

The Prime Minister’s statement has sent a strong message to those who may be considering sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili. While it remains to be seen how this situation will play out, one thing is certain – the Georgian government is not backing down from a fight.