Opposition Union 'Strong Georgia' Unveils Election Program 'Ilia's Path'
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, September 6, 2024
The opposition union "Strong Georgia: Lelo, for people, for freedom!" presented its comprehensive election program, Ilia's Path, in Saguramo at the monument of Georgian national figure Ilia Chavchavadze. The program lays out concrete measures to address social and economic issues, as well as strategies to reduce Russian influence in Georgia.
Lelo Leader Mamuka Khazaradze outlined the party's vision, focusing on social-infrastructural projects and resisting Russian occupation. He emphasized, "We must save the country from Russian influence and occupation." Khazaradze revealed the party's 9-point plan to expedite Georgia's EU integration. Key proposals include tightening visa regulations and flight controls to reduce Russian influence and banning land sales to Russian nationals.
Khazaradze also stressed the urgent need to tackle unemployment, announcing plans to create 200,000 jobs. He committed to reviving large-scale infrastructure projects, specifically mentioning the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, as a priority for economic growth.
Another major component of Lelo's platform is its 1,000 GEL pension plan for seniors, which Khazaradze promised is not a mere campaign promise but a detailed plan. "This is about ensuring that our pensioners have the basic means to live in dignity," he said.
Ana Dolidze, another union member, focused on labor reforms, pledging to implement a decent minimum wage. She pointed out that over 150,000 Georgians currently live on less than 500 GEL per month, which she called unacceptable for a country striving toward European standards. "We will push for a minimum wage that aligns with European Union norms, while supporting small and medium-sized businesses and attracting investors," she added.
Levan Tsutskiridze, leader of Freedom Square, addressed education reform, linking it directly to economic well-being. He argued that improving the quality of education is key to raising living standards in the country, stressing that the party's reforms would enhance educational opportunities and increase societal prosperity.
