**Georgian Dream’s Anti-Corruption Rhetoric Masks Internal Purge and Retributions**
The Georgian government, led by the Georgian Dream party, has been loudly touting its commitment to fighting corruption. However, a closer look at recent events suggests that this anti-corruption rhetoric is merely a cover for an internal purge and retributions.
In a speech to parliament on June 27, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed to be “fully uncompromising with corruption.” This came as the government was announcing surprise resignations and reshuffles within its ranks. The prime minister even claimed that “conscientiousness” would be the key criterion for selecting new members of the Georgian government.
But it’s not just words. The Georgian Dream is backing up its rhetoric with laws. A legislative package is making its way through parliament, introducing tough measures to combat financial crime. The bill would bar individuals convicted of such crimes from leaving the country for years and allow authorities to recover assets from their relatives and others who helped them.
**The Impact on Former Officials and Business Associates**
This crackdown has already had a significant impact on former officials and business associates of the party’s patron, Bidzina Ivanishvili. Giorgi Bachiashvili, a former associate who fell out with Ivanishvili in 2022, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding him. He was later arrested after an alleged abduction by security officials.
Romeo Mikautadze, Georgia’s former Deputy Economy Minister, was also arrested on charges of abuse of power and money laundering. The arrest sparked fears that Ivanishvili is “calling in” debts owed to him.
Tornike Rizhvadze, a former government head, was even shot in the chest with a gunshot wound described as a suicide attempt by prosecutors. However, many believe this was orchestrated to intimidate him into repaying a debt to Ivanishvili.
**A Pattern of Intimidation and Retribution**
The cases of Bachiashvili, Mikautadze, and Rizhvadze follow a pattern of intimidation and retribution against former officials and business associates who have fallen out with Ivanishvili. The Georgian Dream’s leadership is using its power to silence critics and collect debts owed to them.
Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, ex-Prime Minister Kakha Kaladze, and other influential figures have been drawn into this web of intimidation. It seems that the true purpose of the anti-corruption campaign is not to combat crime but to settle scores and maintain power.
**The Real Story Behind Georgia’s Anti-Corruption Drive**
In conclusion, the Georgian government’s anti-corruption drive appears to be a smokescreen for an internal purge and retributions. The real story behind this campaign is one of intimidation and exploitation, as former officials and business associates are forced to repay debts owed to Ivanishvili.
The civil society and international community must take note of these developments and call out the Georgian government for its hypocrisy on anti-corruption issues. Only then can we ensure that genuine efforts to combat corruption in Georgia become a reality.
