Ivanishvili answers to the minority
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Thursday, October 25
Candidate for the Prime Minister’s post answered the minority’s questions on October 24. The questions have been related to almost all the state directions and fields, as well as Ivanishvili’s private issues. After the meeting, the minority emphasized that they will not support the new government of Georgia.
Ivanishvili refrained from voicing exact dates as to when the state advancement process and obvious positive changes are launched. However, he has underscored that very soon, Georgians will feel significant relief.
Regarding unemployment, Ivanishvili stated that that situation will change in 3-4 years.
According to him various steps should be carried out to address the problem.
"I do not rule out investments to be carried out in Georgia very quickly. However, there are still questions about economic stability, the constitution, and communication between the opposition and the president. We have to convince investors that Georgia will be politically stable,” Ivanishvili said, adding that the new government will create optimal conditions for investors.
Ivanishvili also emphasized that the economic situation will be improved after stabilizing the situation with Russia. He has stated that there should be readiness from both the Georgian and Russian sides to restore positive relations.
“It is in the interests of both sides,” Ivanishvili stated and mentioned that worsening relations with Russia was the merit of the previous government.
Hard economic conditions for Georgians might also be relieved by the decrease in utility fees. Ivanishvili stated that the communal fees will be decreased; however, he did not provide a concrete date for this.
Ivanishvili underscored that there are companies in the country which artificially increase the price on gas and electricity.
“From the beginning, the reduction will be based on liberating the sector from such kinds of artificial increases. Later the reduction will be based on sensible calculations,” Ivanishvili said.
Ivanishvili stated that first of all, refugee conditions will be improved and their assistance will not be lower than the living minimum.
Ivanishvili was also asked concerning the coalition’s pre election promises. Based on the minority’s statements, budgetary funds will not be enough for fulfilling those projects which had been promised by Ivanishvili.
The coalition leader responded that in the case that the budgetary funds are not enough, “legal ways” will be found for fulfilling each project, including those related with agriculture.
Ivanishvili also spoke on the previous government’s achievement concerning eradication of corruption on lower and middle level however; he has stated that there was an elite corruption in the country which will not take place after the coalition’s being in power.
Minority representatives critically assessed Ivanishvili’s coming to the parliament. According to MP, Goka Gabashvili, Ivanishvili failed to represent himself as a statesman, consolidate and unifying force.
“Currently I am more confused concerning your political aims than I was yesterday. We will not support a government whose programs and promises are utopian,” Gabashvili stated and reminded Ivanishvili that Georgia is a country and not a business where a one-time investment might be enough.
“It is not a territory for charitable actions, it is a country with the established state mechanisms and you are not aware of the mechanisms nor the country's aspirations and direction, that is why you will not receive out support,” Gabashvili said.
The minority leader, Davit Bakradze emphasized that Georgian society could not get information on concrete terms and dates when the coalition fulfils its promise concerning low communal fees, free healthcare and education.
“Bidzina Ivanishvili is not able to provide the plan of the government,” Bakradze said.
UNM representative, Giorgi Baramidze, stated that it will be nice if all of Georgia lives in such conditions as people live in Chorvila (Ivanishvili’s home village).
Baramidze said that the majority and minority should work together and act based on the public interests. Baramidze also stated that when Ivanishvili goes into more details, he will see that much more has been done by the previous government than he thinks now.
“Of course there will be problems as well,” Gabashvili stated, adding that Ivanishvili seemed sincere during his speech.
According to the political analyst, Ramaz Sakvarelidze, “the public is waiting for the coalition's plans. We have still not seen this team at work; however, we have seen them in the battle. Solving of state problems is a hard process; there will be some disappointments as well however. It is important for the government to answer its people. It was the problem of the UNM, as soon as there were problems the UNM stopped talking with people. Contact should not be stopped with people. Even if Ivanishvili had a magic stick he would not be able to solve all Georgia's problems very quickly,” Sakvarelidze said.
