United National Movement initiates to subsidize the families of tourism and service field workers
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, March 26
As the leader of the United National Movement Grigol Vasadze spoke at the briefing held on March 25th, about the ceased tourism, the service sector, restaurants, cafes and taxis, due to which, a large number of citizens of Georgia are left unemployed.
“One more significant problem has occurred. Phone calls are streaming in our offices, informing us that a lot of people are left without any kind of income. Nowadays, hunger is one of the main challenges for our community. We understand clearly that most of the families had to live from day to day, from week to week and it is highly unlikely that they have any kind of savings. If the government does not interfere, people will be left on the edge of survival. Let’s imagine for a minute, what street traders and tourism workers have to go through. The minimum number we have in our hands is approximately 100,000 families that need financial help. The government has access to the bureau of statistics, Ministry of Economics, they have the power to define who are in the most severe conditions,” Vashadze stated at the briefing.
The party urges the government to urgently subsidize every family with GEL 1000 for three months, just to be able to buy essentials, adding they “understand the condition the country is in, but the lives of the citizens are above all priorities.” They feel that it would be right if the representatives of the government cut their bonuses off and use the money to help people.
Vashadze also calls upon the representatives of the business sector to express solidarity, unity and support.
“Last but not least, the devaluation of Lari has had an even bigger impact on the most vulnerable citizens and I want to clarify one thing. Solidarity, unity and support are moral civic duties for everyone, including Georgian business and acting as if the pandemic and the harsh situation in our country has nothing to do with the business, simply to say is incomprehensible,” said Vashadze.
The leader of the party also paid a tribute to the medics, rescuers, policemen and militaries.
“Thanks to their tireless effort, we are surviving this pandemic outbreak. But they must be provided with the suitable equipment to be able to fulfill their duties without endangering their own lives. We have to take care of these people and remember that their lives are our safety.”
