Georgian PM says claims that Ukraine or Moldova are ahead of Georgia are “empty speculation”

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Wednesday that comparing Georgia’s development with Ukraine or Moldova is “empty speculation”, citing what he described as severe challenges in both countries.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said that Ukraine is facing a “very difficult situation”, including a collapsed economy, destroyed infrastructure, and a serious humanitarian crisis following the developments since 2022. He also claimed that corruption is widespread in the country.

“All of us see what the situation is in Ukraine and Moldova. Unfortunately, Ukraine is in an extremely difficult condition. Since 2022, you know how severely events have unfolded there, which is very regrettable. It is our friendly country and our friendly people, but you see the situation - its economy is collapsed, infrastructure is destroyed, and there is a very severe humanitarian situation. Corruption is flourishing; this is the extremely difficult situation currently in Ukraine”, he said.

Turning to Moldova, the prime minister described it as “one of the most corrupt countries in Europe”, adding that this, in his view, is reflected in its economic performance.

“Moldova is also one of the most corrupt countries in Europe, which is reflected, among other things, in its economic growth. Over the past five years, since 2022, we have managed to increase the gap between the economies of Georgia and Moldova by about $14 billion. This is, of course, a result of corruption and institutional crisis in Moldova. This is the overall picture”, Kobakhidze said.

He concluded that claims suggesting Moldova or Ukraine are ahead of Georgia are “empty speculation”.