The News in Brief
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
MP Accuses Georgian Dream of Manipulating Unemployment Data Ahead of Elections
MP Paata Manjgaladze, a leader of the Unity - National Movement, has criticized the recent unemployment data released by Geostat, alleging it is a pre-election manipulation by the ruling Georgian Dream party. According to Geostat, the second quarter of 2024 saw a 2.1% increase in the number of employed individuals, reaching 935,800, and a 10.1% rise in self-employed persons, totaling 451,500.
Manjgaladze argued that these statistics do not reflect the true economic hardships faced by Georgians. He asserted that high living costs and insufficient job opportunities are prompting many Georgians to leave their homes and the country. He described the situation as a result of the Georgian Dream's policies, which he believes are enriching a small elite while impoverishing the broader population.
"The increase in employment figures does not address the core issue of inadequate and poorly paid work," Manjgaladze said. "This is a direct consequence of the Georgian Dream's policy of robbing and impoverishing its own citizens. If they remain in power after October 26, we can expect further economic decline and isolation, leading to even more emigration."
Prime Minister Addresses Reports on Partskhaladze's Presence in Georgia
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has addressed recent reports about Otar Partskhaladze, a former Georgian prosecutor currently under US sanctions, being in Georgia. Media reports, including from SOVA, indicate that Partskhaladze was recently spotted near Orbeliani Palace, the residence of the President of Georgia.
Kobakhidze stated that Partskhaladze has not served as Chief Prosecutor in Georgia for ten years, and dismissed speculation about his presence. "Ten years have passed since Otar Partskhaladze no longer held the position of Chief Prosecutor in Georgia. Therefore, there is no room for speculation," Kobakhidze said.
On the matter of the US sanctions, the Prime Minister mentioned that the Georgian government had requested evidence from Washington but had not received any. "No charges have been brought against him. As for the sanctions, we always ask for proof, but they have never been able to provide us with evidence regarding any such case, including for judges and Otar Partskhaladze," Kobakhidze said.
MP Accuses Georgian Dream of Manipulating Unemployment Data Ahead of Elections
Manjgaladze argued that these statistics do not reflect the true economic hardships faced by Georgians. He asserted that high living costs and insufficient job opportunities are prompting many Georgians to leave their homes and the country. He described the situation as a result of the Georgian Dream's policies, which he believes are enriching a small elite while impoverishing the broader population.
"The increase in employment figures does not address the core issue of inadequate and poorly paid work," Manjgaladze said. "This is a direct consequence of the Georgian Dream's policy of robbing and impoverishing its own citizens. If they remain in power after October 26, we can expect further economic decline and isolation, leading to even more emigration."
Prime Minister Addresses Reports on Partskhaladze's Presence in Georgia
Kobakhidze stated that Partskhaladze has not served as Chief Prosecutor in Georgia for ten years, and dismissed speculation about his presence. "Ten years have passed since Otar Partskhaladze no longer held the position of Chief Prosecutor in Georgia. Therefore, there is no room for speculation," Kobakhidze said.
On the matter of the US sanctions, the Prime Minister mentioned that the Georgian government had requested evidence from Washington but had not received any. "No charges have been brought against him. As for the sanctions, we always ask for proof, but they have never been able to provide us with evidence regarding any such case, including for judges and Otar Partskhaladze," Kobakhidze said.