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Pension GEL 220 and 1 billion investment in agriculture

The leader of the Free Democrats and one of the leaders of the opposition Georgian Dream, Irakli Alasania voiced the coalition’s intentions while meetings with Georgian citizens in the regions. The newspaper Resonansi reports that the coalition has huge plans- specifically concerning agriculture and the GEL 1 billion investment it plans should the Georgian Dream party come to power.

“Of course, a billion investment will not be carried out in a day, it needs time. We think that the first two-years after our coming to power would be very significant for Georgian agriculture. First of all, we will make the state a self-producer of agricultural products and after that, make the state one of the main exporters of agricultural produce in the region.”

Alasania also stressed that years ago, Ivanishvili suggested that the current President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, undertake such investment. However, the President refused. “Currently the state budget spends only 2% on agricultural development, which is why 80% of the products [Georgians consume] are being imported.”

The leader of the Free Democrats also touched upon the pension issue and mentioned that pensions should not have been lower than the living wage. Based on their calculations, living wages in Georgia is equal to GEL 220 and not GEL 157 figure that was voiced by the current leadership. “It will be written into law that the pension must not be lower than the living wage and it will be added to length of service. “



Authorities in an awkward situation

In his interview with Kviris Palitra, the Head of the Election and Political Technologies Center, Kakha Kakhishvili, stated that due to Ivanishvili’s refusal to use Constitution amendments and to take part in the elections as the national of a European state, he will make an awkward reality for the government of Georgia, which has changed the constitution for Ivanishvili. “If the National movement thinks that it will be able to defeat the Georgian Dream in the elections, just grant him Georgian citizenship …”

Regarding Ivanishvili’s refusal, Kakhishvili thinks that it was a bit belated and Ivanishvili should have fixed his strict position as soon as the Christian Democrats voiced the initiative to the Parliament. “However, it is not too late- even now, as one should not use such changes which will be dangerous for the state’s interests.”