The Georgian press has been intensely covering a statement made by influential media and financial tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili on March 29 and some newspapers describe Patarkatsishvili’s criticism voiced towards the authorities as “shocking.”

The daily Rezonansi (Resonance) says that “even the remnants of a harmonious relation between Patarkatsishvili and ‘revolutionary authorities’ were shockingly destroyed” after the tycoon delivered a speech at an assembly of the Federation of Georgian Businessmen “in which Patarkatsishvili openly accused the authorities of mounting pressure” on businesses and on his Imedi television station.

The newspaper also interviews Levan Ramishvili of the human rights watchdog Liberty Institute, who is regarded as a close ally of influential parliamentarian Giga Bokeria, from the ruling National Movement party.

“It was a mistake that no measure, envisaged by the law, was undertaken against Patarkatsishvili. It seems that we are now seeing the results of our compromise. No democracy will be established in Georgia if bags of money take control over the authorities,” Levan Ramishvili said.

Patarkatsishvili, who returned to Georgia in 2001, is wanted by Russia for fraud allegations

The Rezonansi speculates that the opposition parties will now launch a “hunt” for Patarkatsishvili’s money.

The daily 24 Saati (24 Hours) says that despite Patarkatsishvili’s tough-worded speech, other businessmen refrained for taking a similar hard-line stance and made relatively cautious statements. “Although they did not deny that problems persist in relations between the business sector and the authorities and called for dialogue,” 24 Saati reads.

The newspaper interviewed analyst Davit Narmania of the Georgian Young Economists Association (GYEA), who says that the statements made by Badri Patarkatsishvili were not just politically-motivated, as his speech reflected real problems of the business sector in Georgia.

“We have laws which enable the authorities to find a reason to launch legal proceedings against Patarkatsishvili, of course if the government wants to do this,” Davit Narmania said.