President Margvelashvili does not find anything luxurious in Security Council's purchases

"I dont see anything illegal and luxurious in a decision of National Security Council Secretary, Giorgi Margvelashvili said commenting a purchase by the NSCG which caused controversies in the society.  

"I think before sticking Cliché to someone, it would be better if journalists would double check things and only then make right conclusions. Laptop cant be subject of luxury, the president said.  

According to the website of the State Procurement Agency, the Security Council of Georgia announced a tender to purchase a laptop bag, MacBook Pro, and iPhone 5s. The situation is that the price of the bag is about 173 USD (335Gel), MacBook Pro 1 360 USD (2350 Gel), iPhone 5s 1 010 USD (1749 Gel).  In total, the purchase accounts for 2 543 USD (4 434 Gel).  

Moreover, NSCG bought brand new Toyota Prado which costs approximately 45 000 USD (78 241 Gel) recently. However, as it was explained the Department of Security Council carries our purchase by replacement with the same make of old car. The previous Toyota Prado was valued 20 635 USD (35 700 Gel) and now the Council exchanges it at the company adding 24 590 USD (42 541 Gel) for the new car.  

The purchases were initiated by the head of NSCG Secretary General, Irina Imerlishvili who has held this position since November 21.  

"I think we all agree that a computer is extremely useful thing. It does not matter who is or will be Secretary of the Council, he or she should have phone, computer and car. All those things are belonging to the Security Council which works on secret and top secret documents and needs means for communication Irina Imerlishvili, told Georgian language online newspaper "Netgazeti.  

Interestingly, the president himself often walks to the State Chancellery.  

"I live nearby the office and I am frequently walking to the office on foot. It is not political coquet, not expression humility by my side. It is just faster and comfortable to walk, than drive by car,- Margvelashvili told journalists when speaking about Imerlishvilis purchases.