Prime Minister Kobakhidze Presents Georgian Dream's Electoral Program
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
On October 7, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Chair of the Georgian Dream's electoral headquarters, presented the party's program for 2028.
Kobakhidze outlined the party's goals, starting with economic promises. By 2028, Georgian Dream aims to increase the country's GDP to GEL 130 billion, raise GDP per capita to GEL 36,000, expand the state budget to GEL 40 billion, and boost the average salary to GEL 3,500. Public servant salaries are set to rise by at least 10% annually. The poverty rate is expected to drop to 4%, and 200,000 additional jobs will be created.
To reach these targets, Kobakhidze emphasized four pillars: effective economic policies, business freedom, peace and stability, and strong management. He praised the current level of management, stating, "If you focus on the intelligence of our economic group alone, it will surpass the entire opposition."
Infrastructure and Energy Projects
Key infrastructure projects include a 4-lane highway between Tbilisi and Batumi, set to open in 2025, and new highways connected to Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Sarpi. A major new airport will be built in Vaziani, and the Anaklia port is expected to receive its first ships by 2029.
In the energy sector, Georgian Dream aims for Georgia to be fully energy self-sufficient by 2030, with electricity generation reaching 10,000 megawatts by that time. Agriculture will also see significant investment, with GEL 3 billion allocated over the next four years.
Education, Arts, and Sports
On education, the party plans to enhance Kutaisi International University, founded by Ivanishvili, and build a new campus for Tbilisi State University. In the arts, GEL 30 million will be dedicated to supporting artists, while sports infrastructure will receive GEL 2 billion, with plans to build a 70,000-seat stadium for Champion League games.
Health and Social Security
A new Republican Hospital is set to be built, with the project to be revealed soon. Kobakhidze also promised pension increases to 350-450 GEL next year.
Military and Foreign Policy
Georgian Dream also highlighted its focus on strengthening the national military industry, improving social support for the military and police, and constructing housing for over 1,000 soldiers and police officers.
In foreign policy, the party plans to prioritize relations with the U.S. and EU, with a goal of fulfilling 90% of Georgia's obligations under the Association Agreement and the DCFTA by 2028. Georgian Dream also seeks to strengthen ties with NATO and China, while maintaining a pragmatic approach toward Russia and pursuing a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
