Statement by Dimitri Samkharadze
Member of the Parliament of Georgia Dimitri Samkharadze responded in a public statement to the charitable work carried out by Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family.
According to Samkharadze, during a business trip, he met a local resident in Kakheti, with whom he also discussed political issues.
Conversation in Kakheti and Reflections on Ingratitude
According to Dimitri Samkharadze, during the conversation, the Kakhetian man told him: “An ungrateful person is the greatest sin, but if two ungrateful people come across each other, there is no one more unpleasant than them.”
Samkharadze said that the man had recently watched another report by what he described as a “National Movement-affiliated television channel,” where, in his assessment, they were trying to discredit the good deeds carried out by Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family.
Discussion of Representatives of Culture and Sports
According to Dimitri Samkharadze, the authors of the report contacted representatives of culture, sports, and public life and asked them uncomfortable questions about why they receive funding from a foundation established by Bidzina Ivanishvili.
He said that he does not intend to name individuals, but noted that certain people who today, in his view, unfairly criticize Georgian Dream and try to mislead society still gladly receive funding from that foundation.
Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Attitude Toward Funding
Samkharadze stated that he had the opportunity to ask why funding continues for people who, in his assessment, unfairly slander Bidzina Ivanishvili and appear at opposition rallies.
According to him, the answer he received was one that only a person who loves his homeland and is a patriot could give: “The contribution of these people, their role in bringing recognition to the country, deserves appreciation. When you have the opportunity, you should help. That is what matters, not their political taste.”
“This Is Georgian Spirit and Patriotism”
In Dimitri Samkharadze’s assessment, this very attitude demonstrates Georgian spirit, patriotism, and love for the homeland.
According to him, it is a clear example of what it means to love one’s country and one’s people.
Criticism of Opposition Media
Samkharadze stated that the good deeds carried out by Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family cannot be overshadowed by what he called “low-level reports.”
He said that society sees everything and will give an appropriate response to those who try to distort the truth.
Statement on Being a Member of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Team
Dimitri Samkharadze stated that he is proud to be a member of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s team.
According to him, he will personally always defend all the good that Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family have done for Georgia.
Promise to Defend the Truth
Samkharadze stated that he will always put the truth before all those who, in his assessment, seek to mislead the public.
He also said that no one can provide a single example showing that anyone who received funding from the foundation established by Bidzina Ivanishvili was ever asked to act in favor of Bidzina Ivanishvili or Georgian Dream in return.