Lasha Tugushi: Placing the intelligence service under the control of the State Security Service is a serious mistake - Intelligence and counterintelligence cannot be merged — this will be a blow to our security matters - it seems the Russian line is at work

Lasha Tugushi, Chairman of the Liberal Academy, stated on PalitraNews' program Day's Newsroom:

"The abolition of the Special Investigation Service and the transfer of its functions to the Prosecutor General's Office, as well as the relocation of the Intelligence Service under the State Security Service, are tailored to the needs defined by the political group of Georgian Dream. They seek greater concentration of political power. They are not thinking about European integration, and this move directly contradicts that goal."

According to Tugushi, these steps are very serious mistakes and are aimed at removing people they consider unreliable from state institutions and retaining only loyal personnel, which will assist them in consolidating power:

"When institutions are separated, that inherently involves some risks. But concentrating power allows them to fire those they don't trust and keep those who will sign any order, regardless of whether it's unconstitutional.

A similar situation applies to intelligence. Subordinating intelligence to the SSG is a serious mistake. Intelligence and counterintelligence should not be under the same roof. That can create a conflict of interest. This will be a major blow to our external security. Clearly, the Russian line is strongly at play here."

Tugushi also addressed developments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

"Many people have left the Foreign Ministry — individuals who have built the system over decades. These people hold strong values, and now they find themselves outside the intelligence service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Essentially, we are witnessing the destruction of this crucial institution. Those who openly voiced their positions are being forced to leave. Similar purges are taking place in the security sector and judicial institutions."

Regarding the parliamentary investigative commission, Tugushi warned about the potential arrest of certain opposition leaders due to their refusal to cooperate:

"What we are seeing today is an attempt to destroy the opposition. The pressure being exerted on them deserves to be described as such. This is the fulfillment of the promise Bidzina Ivanishvili made last year. We are witnessing the implementation of that plan. Georgian Dream will go as far as they are able."