Irakli Kobakhidze: The work of the parliamentary investigative commission must conclude with appropriate results – everyone must understand once and for all that there is no place for criminals in Georgian politics!

"A very important process is underway in the parliamentary investigative commission – its work must conclude with appropriate results! Everyone must understand once and for all that there is no place for criminals in Georgian politics!" stated Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during a plenary session of Parliament.

In the same context, Kobakhidze noted that "this is a dignified Georgian state, where politics should be represented not by criminals but by patriots."

Kobakhidze expressed gratitude to the investigative commission from the parliamentary rostrum.

"We remember the regime that operated in Georgia before 2012. That regime was entirely built on crime. Caring for people was never a priority. On the contrary, one of the defining features of their approach was the violation of human dignity. This approach fundamentally changed after 2012.

With concern, we must recall that some people, from outside the country, wanted such individuals to return to power. Direct electioneering and campaign statements were made in this regard. No one – whether advised from outside or inside the country – can force the Georgian people to bring criminals back to power. This is absolutely unacceptable!

I want to thank everyone involved in the work of the parliamentary investigative commission, especially Thea Tsulukiani, who heads the commission.

A very important process has taken place in the Georgian Parliament. The broader public may forget the crimes committed at the time. Even we, who are directly involved in the political process, may emotionally forget the crimes and their scale that took place before 2012," Kobakhidze stated.