Georgian PM says no misuse of funds identified in initial review of Patriarch Ilia II’s funeral expenses

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said that preliminary information from the Government Administration had revealed no improper spending related to the funeral of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, adding that a significant portion of the allocated funds had been returned.

Kobakhidze made the remarks in response to a journalist’s question about social media posts directed at former Culture Minister Tinatin Rukhadze regarding the funeral expenses.

“I already have preliminary information on this matter. According to the initial information from the Government Administration, no improper spending has been identified. Moreover, a much larger amount was allocated, and a very large portion of those funds was returned”, he noted.

The Prime Minister added that, given public interest and the statements made about the issue, the government considered it its responsibility to provide the public with full and detailed information in the near future.

Asked whether the Prosecutor’s Office would investigate the matter, Kobakhidze replied that the government would first present detailed information on the expenses.

“If any further questions remain, we can discuss them together and approach any relevant agency. But first, we will share details of the expenses incurred”, he concluded.