No pressure on business

Prompted by the ICC Georgia the incoming government is holding a direct, honest and open dialogue with businessmen. It seems most businessmen appreciate the proposed initiatives of the incoming government. Despite the claims of the outgoing government about the freedom of business activities in Georgia in reality the country’s business sector was under huge pressure from the ruling United National Movement (UNM). Many businesses were forced to donate to the UNM's election campaign funds as well as to advertise on state-controlled TV channels. Bidzina Ivanishvili warned businessmen to be on guard if any government organization offered friendship and support. He advised businessmen to pay taxes and promised that the state will protect businessmen from the state.