Bidzina Ivanishvili, in a rare TV interview on the mouthpiece of the government, Imedi TV spoke about the upcoming elections and foreign security risks. She also discussed sanctions, the prospects of resetting the relationship with the West, as well as the significant achievements of the ruling party. In a long, pre-recorded, interview, the billionaire accused the West once again of blackmailing Georgian officials and trying to involve Georgia into a conflict against Russia. You can read more about this interview.
Thirteen EU foreign ministers released a statement in which they expressed their hope that Georgians would be able to decide their own future, and that it would be a European future for the country. In a statement issued jointly, the ministers expressed concern about Georgia’s European Future, noting that they “feel a necessity to recall the EU’s position on Georgia, and to correct misperceptions, and intended mischaracterizations regarding Georgia’s European Aspirations.”
Peter Stano, the EU’s lead spokesperson for Foreign and Security Policy, spoke on October 21 about EU assistance to Georgia in combating Russian disinformation. He said that “there is not a dedicated EU mission to help Georgia increase its resilience to resist foreign interference and disinformation because unfortunately, the disinformation also comes from the official side of the governing authorities.”
Bloomberg, an international news agency, reported that Russia had hacked nearly all Georgian government agencies and companies between 2017 and 2019. Bloomberg reported that the Foreign Ministry, Finance Ministry and National Bank of Georgia, as well as major energy and telecoms providers such as Imedi TV and Maestro, which are pro-government, were among those hacked. Bloomberg News’ article on the hacking of Georgian agencies and companies was largely unreported.
Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Moldova, criticised the EU’s treatment of Moldova as a priority over Georgia. He questioned the legitimacy of the Sunday elections and the democracy of Moldova. “Moldova could not pass any test of democracy with these elections… They (EU), put Moldova ahead us.” If any criticism is necessary, it should be made about Moldova,” Kobakhidze said to journalists.
The Interior Ministry (MIA), in response to the TV report by Nodar Meladze on Saturday on TV Pirveli which focused on the allegedly illegal practice of law enforcement agencies mixing tear gas and water when using water squirters to disrupt protests against Foreign Agents Law. The MIA admits this practice and claims that it is in line with the Law on Police as well as European standards.
The Data of the Day
The National Statistics Office, Geostat, has released preliminary data showing that Georgia’s exports increased by 3.7% on an annual basis. This equates to USD 16.778 Billion in January-September of 2024. Georgia’s exports rose by 4.1%, to USD 4.787 Billion, while imports increased by 3.6%, to USD 11.991 Billion, during the same period.
Geostat reports that Georgia’s biggest trade partner is Turkey, with USD 2.333 billion in trade volume. This is followed by Russia, USD 1.836, USD 1.473, USD 1.428, USD 957, and the United States.
Read More @ civil.ge