Minister: Opposition’s economic disruption tactics threaten Georgia’s growth

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Levan Davitashvili warned that calls to sabotage and disrupt economic activities in Georgia are detrimental to the country’s economy.

Speaking after a government meeting, Davitashvili addressed the ongoing protests that have significantly impacted Georgia's business environment, per Caliber.Az.

“The ongoing protests have influenced the business landscape in the country. We have seen calls to sabotage, paralyze economic processes, and sanction certain activities. These actions, not just isolated incidents but organized campaigns, cause damage and pose reputational risks. They damage public sentiment and the economy,” Davitashvili said.

The protests, which have been ongoing since November 28, have also seen several businessmen joining the demands for parliamentary elections and the release of individuals detained during the demonstrations. Some have even participated in short strikes, while others feel pressured to show outward support for the opposition to avoid retaliation.

Davitashvili stressed that the current form of opposition in Georgia is not a demonstration of high political culture. “Such forms of opposition often harm the country, particularly its economic interests,” he noted, adding that these actions directly impact the welfare of Georgia’s population and are not the right political course.

The Minister of Economy emphasized that the government is committed to stabilizing the political processes and fostering dialogue with all key economic players, including the private sector, businesses, international investors, and financial institutions. “This approach will ensure that the country’s economic progress and momentum are not hindered,” he explained.

Georgia's economy, which saw a 6.8% contraction in 2020 due to the pandemic, has been on a strong recovery track since April 2021. Economic indicators such as exports, imports, remittances, and business turnover have all shown improvement. According to Georgia’s National Statistics Service, real economic growth in November 2024 reached 7.5% compared to the previous year, while the average real GDP growth for January- November 2024 was 9.4%.

In recent years, Georgia has seen notable growth, with a 10.6% increase in 2021, 11% in 2022, and 7.5% in 2023.

By Tamilla Hasanova