The Prime Minister of Georgia claimed the rate of emigration of citizens from the country had been much more severe during the United National Movement Government.

With this comment Irakli Kobakhidze responded to the recent data of the National Statistics Office of Georgia that said the number of emigrants had increased by 95.6% in 2023.

“Demography is one of the main challenges facing the country. Georgia had negative statistics both in birth rates and emigration.

There are essentially two reasons for emigration. First, there is still a large economic gap between Georgia and the European Union and European countries. Second, the borders are open, it is easy to leave the country and go to EU countries.

Georgia was three times behind Germany in living standards. The figure had been estimated at 4.5 times in 2012, during the UNM rule, while emigration indicators were twice as bad when the country’s borders were closed.

Development of the economy is the main priority for approaching EU member states in living standards. The Government would need to use the next few years to close the gap”, - explained the Head of the Government.