“We demand that the excise tax on fuel be halved, fuel prices be reduced, and the corruption surcharge be completely removed from prices,” Lasha Parulava, one of the leaders of the United National Movement, said at a briefing.

According to Parulava, the Georgian market has become dependent on Russia, while prices have risen significantly.

“Georgia has become a center of Russian influence and interests.

The country’s economy, trade, energy sector, food security, and petroleum products market have become dependent on Russia. Despite this, prices have not decreased — on the contrary, they have increased. As Irakli Kobakhidze himself stated, there is an 86% corruption surcharge built into prices. This is particularly reflected in fuel prices, which are one of the main components in the cost of almost every product and service. Therefore, we demand that the excise tax on fuel be cut in half, fuel prices be reduced, and the corrupt share—the corruption surcharge—be completely eliminated from prices,” Parulava said.

In addition, Parulava addressed the health condition of opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, stating that his party demands she be given access to proper medical treatment and released from detention.

“We demand that Elene Khoshtaria be given the opportunity to receive full medical treatment. Every person should have the right to receive the necessary medical care at an appropriate healthcare facility. We believe that her release is the best and most effective way to ensure this,” Parulava said.