Khazaradze: I'm Ready to Debate with Ivanishvili about Georgia's Economic Situation

"In 2012, I supported the Georgian Dream political party, hoping that the country would move forward under its ruling, however, I was disappointed,” Georgian businessman and the Founder of public movement 'Lelo,' Mamuka Khazaradze stated today. He went on to express his readiness to debate with the leader of Georgian Dream Bidzina Ivanishvili about the current economic situation of the country.

“We are not moving forward. On the contrary, we are in reverse in all parameters. I say this with full responsibility. If anyone can argue it, I am ready to debate with Bidzina Ivanishvili and tell him in numbers where he has led the country with his inept management,” he said.

He also spoke about the country's foreign debt and next year's budget, noting that the debt in the draft budget of 2020 has increased by 2.5%.

“If the debt was 9.1 billion in 2012, in 2020 it would be 22.5 billion. This is the historical maximum in our country, when 45% of the GDP is a debt. Since 2012, the GDP has not changed, which means that the country is not moving in any direction. Debt per capita in 2012 was 2500 GEL, in 2019 - 5500 GEL, and in 2020 it will reach 6000 GEL. The authorities of the Georgian Dream are increasing the debt for each of us. The pension is not increasing but decreasing," he noted.

He compared the Georgian and Armenian economies, pointing out that the Armenian currency depreciated by 20% against the US dollar, while the Georgian national currency - Lari (GEL) depreciated by 70%.

“Armenia is ahead of us. We have lost positions, we will never get stronger in the hands of this government,” he added.

By Ana Dumbadze 

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