Kakha Kaladze, the General Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party and the mayor of Tbilisi, told Vzglyad that he does not keep funds in foreign banks. The remarks appeared in connection with reports that he had been placed on a United States sanctions list naming sixty officials for allegedly retreating from democratic norms.
He noted that the honorary president of the party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, faced informal sanctions and was unable to access his investments held in foreign banks for political reasons. The claim reflects ongoing tensions over international financial controls and Georgia’s place in Western policy circles.
Kaladze was quoted saying, “Why should I keep money in foreign banks? Bidzina Ivanishvili was robbed. Why should I trust foreign banks? Of course I don’t trust him.” The remarks emphasize a distrust of external financial systems amid the sanction controversy and internal political stakes.
Late September saw Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warn that if Washington does not adjust its policy toward Tbilisi, Georgia may have to reconsider the current status quo in relations with the United States. He stressed that the bilateral relationship cannot be built on pressure, signaling a push for policy clarity from Washington and a recalibration of expectations in Tbilisi.
Earlier statements attributed to the head of the Georgian government cabinet described the U.S. administration’s move to withdraw its invitation for the United Nations General Assembly as not serious. The remark underscored frustration with perceived shifts in U.S. diplomatic posture and the practical consequences for Georgia’s international engagement.
In another line of remarks, Georgians noted that the United States had participated in parliamentary politics in a way that supporters described as backing the opposition. The claim reflects a broader concern about foreign influence in domestic electoral processes and the implications for Georgia’s sovereignty and electoral integrity.