New PM Garibashvili addresses Georgian Dream, outlines new governments’ priorities

On Monday, February 22, PM Irakli Garibashvili addressed the ruling Georgian Dream party and outlined the main priorities that the new government should focus on within the first 100 days in office. Among others, Garibashvili named the need for “restoring order” in the country, launching the anti-coronavirus vaccination program, and drafting an “ambitious” 10-year plan for the country’s development.

In his address to the Parliament, Garibashvili said that over the past 30 years “a number of mistakes have been made.”

“Previous years will remain to be a part of our lives and a part of our country’s history. They have been marked by many positive events and achievements, as well as valuable experience we managed to gain. However, a number of mistakes have been made, and we are witnessing the results of such mistakes today,” said Garibashvili.

The PM also mentioned that the government is ready to resume dialogue with the “healthy” part of the opposition but not with “its criminal members.” He added that Nika Melia, UNM’s chairman would not escape justice as the court found him guilty in the Cartu Bank case.

Garibashvili also stated that the government should take full responsibility for the restoration of the local businesses and the provision of the workplaces.

“The government plays a crucial role in boosting the national economy, and in supporting the local businesses, especially amidst the crisis caused by the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Garibashvili and promised to get “personally involved” in any decision related to helping the business sector survive.

Garibashvili stated that the government is planning to lift some of the restrictions this week, while the vaccination is expected to begin in early March. He also reinstated the government’s plan to vaccinate 60% of the Georgian population by the end of 2021.

Garibashvili was nominated to take on the post of the country’s Prime Minister after former PM Giorgi Gakharia announced his resignation last week. Gakharia explained that his decision was caused by the inability to find common ground with other members of the ruling Georgian Dream party regarding the arrest of Nika Melia, Chairman of the opposition United National Movement party.