Kelly Degnan calls cooperation between government and 'People's Power' party 'confusing', discusses de-oligarchization
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, October 6, 2022
US ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Kelly Degnan has stated that there is a "confusing message" coming from the Georgian authorities. According to her, on the one hand, the prime minister and others talk about the importance of relations with Georgia's strategic partners, and on the other hand, the ruling party sides with those who are rooting for the partnership between Georgia and the US to fail.
When asked to evaluate the statements of the deputies who left the 'Georgian Dream' and also the cooperation between the government and the 'People's Power', Degnan said that the 'Georgian Dream' is siding with political forces that are undermining the US and Georgia's strategic partnership, calling the action 'confusing'.
"We noted that there is a confusing message coming from the government about the connection with those who undermine the partnership between Georgia and the US, and on the other hand statements from the Prime Minister of Georgia and other persons talk about the importance of the partnership between the US and Georgia and other strategic partners," Degnan said.
"I cannot comment on the current political process in Georgia. I think Georgian people see very well what is happening here.
I prefer to be guided by facts and truth, there is a lot of misinformation and conspiracy theories around. The fact is that for 30 years, the USA faithfully helped Georgia to strengthen its security, supported its sovereignty. For 30 years, the US has supported Georgia in the development of its economy, in the creation of better jobs.
It can be said that the good economic data that we are seeing in Georgia right now is somewhat related to the support that the US, the European Union and other friends of Georgia have found for it to deal with the consequences of the covid pandemic.
For 30 years, the US has also tried to help Georgia develop democratic institutions so that the Georgian people would have faith that the country is moving towards a stronger, healthier democracy. Georgian people have been demanding this for decades," said the US Ambassador to Georgia.
Kelly Degnan also discussed the de-oligarchization of Georgia.
"The issue of de-oligarchization in any country is how to deal with the improper influence of someone in the political or economic processes of the country, of someone who tries to influence the work of the government and society through excessive money or influence."
"This is an issue that many countries are struggling with, including mine. There are different ways in which countries address undue influence in the political sector, and I think each country should consider this issue and find its own solution. I don't think it's always useful to just borrow from someone else without adapting it to the specifics of your country's situation.There are many good examples that can be discussed and developed into something suitable for Georgia," the Ambassador noted.
According to her, it is necessary to give more time to solve the problem of undue influence.
"It is necessary to spend more time highlighting the problem of undue influence, which affects the political will of the population. For example, instead of having an election that reflects what voters voted for, you have a skewed representation because there was undue influence on the process. The aim of any such law is to ensure that there is transparency, accountability and a level playing field for the voice of the people to be heard," US Ambassador to Georgia said.
