President Margvelashvili refuses all presidential residences

President Giorgi Margvelashvili of Georgia refused all the presidential palaces across the country. He said about this on 30 Decembers TV talk show "Politikis Dro (Politics Time) on Imedi channel.

While commenting about the recent budget expenses issue, Margvelashvili said that the same people who now criticize officials for purchasing expensive items, they also criticized the President for his decision about returning presidential luxury residences to people. "So peoples reactions are different, Margvelahsvili said, adding that he welcomes any kind of reaction, though.

Ex-President of Georgia Mikheil Saakahsvili had several residences in different parts of the country. The elaborate Avlabari Palace, which is in the oldest part of Tbilisi and was built in 2004-2009, will become the Georgian-American Technological University, according to the Presidents earlier decision.

Margvelashvili also said that all other presidential residences all over the country should change their function just like the Avlabari Palace did."The government and politicians cannot afford to live and work in luxury buildings, the President stated after winning the presidential elections.

The issue of state expenses became highlighted after several high officials purchased expensive cars and other luxury items with the state budget money. During the past two months, Avtandil Beridze, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Adjara Autonomous Republic, Georgias Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze, andNational Security Council Secretary Irina Imerlishvili were criticized for acquiring new high-priced vehicles.

In order to solve this problem, the government suggestedsettinga commonstandard that will regulate the budget purchases by state officials for use in the public service. President Margvelashvili believes that this is a good decision, but the best regulator for this kind of issues is an active citizen who has a control over the ongoing processes.