22/04/2008 9:26:06 pm
Stir in Georgia. Apparently, the interview with me published in one of the leading newspapers in Georgia, 24 Hours, creates a bit of a debate before the upcoming parliamentary elections there. See here and here. The articles claim that I criticise the government for implementing social programs.

During a long interview, I was told that the government has increased public expenditure for certain groups. I said that if this was the case, it did not fit with their previous policies, which have been all about limiting government. I also said that it was unnecessary in strategic terms, since most reformers win re-election.

What I did repeat many times was that I have been very impressed indeed with the Georgian government for all the far-reaching reforms they have launched.