The News in Brief
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Prime Minister Candidate Irakli Kobakhidze Emphasizes Demographic Challenges
Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister candidate, highlighted demographic challenges as a significant concern for the country. He emphasized the need for attention not only to the birth rate but also to marriage-divorce statistics and overall demographic trends.
"We face serious challenges regarding demography. We are dissatisfied with migration rates, birth rates, and marriage-divorce rates.
These challenges are substantial; if you examine the numbers and statistics, you'll realize the severity of the situation. If we encounter particular difficulties anywhere, demography is at the forefront, requiring special attention from the Georgian government," said Kobakhidze.
However, Kobakhidze noted that under the government of Georgian Dream, the situation in this regard has improved compared to the previous administration.
"During the previous government's tenure from 2004 to 2012, Georgia's population decreased by 225,000 people. This trend has reversed since 2014, and comparing the years 2014 to 2023, we've seen an increase of 19,500 people," Kobakhidze stated.
Public Defender Proposes Winter Eviction Restrictions
On February 7, 2024, the Public Defender of Georgia submitted a proposal to the National Bureau of Enforcement to restrict evictions for individuals losing their sole residence during the winter.
The Public Defender based his appeal on the principles of reasonableness and proportionality in the eviction procedure, drawing upon the definitions, general comments, and best practices of the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and European Social Charter Committees.
The Public Defender carefully considered the country's socio-economic context, along with the principles and rights outlined in Georgia's Constitution. It's vital that the eviction process maintains a fair balance of interests and doesn't worsen the situation for individuals in vulnerable positions.
Prime Minister Candidate Irakli Kobakhidze Emphasizes Demographic Challenges
"We face serious challenges regarding demography. We are dissatisfied with migration rates, birth rates, and marriage-divorce rates.
These challenges are substantial; if you examine the numbers and statistics, you'll realize the severity of the situation. If we encounter particular difficulties anywhere, demography is at the forefront, requiring special attention from the Georgian government," said Kobakhidze.
However, Kobakhidze noted that under the government of Georgian Dream, the situation in this regard has improved compared to the previous administration.
"During the previous government's tenure from 2004 to 2012, Georgia's population decreased by 225,000 people. This trend has reversed since 2014, and comparing the years 2014 to 2023, we've seen an increase of 19,500 people," Kobakhidze stated.
Public Defender Proposes Winter Eviction Restrictions
The Public Defender based his appeal on the principles of reasonableness and proportionality in the eviction procedure, drawing upon the definitions, general comments, and best practices of the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and European Social Charter Committees.
The Public Defender carefully considered the country's socio-economic context, along with the principles and rights outlined in Georgia's Constitution. It's vital that the eviction process maintains a fair balance of interests and doesn't worsen the situation for individuals in vulnerable positions.