Georgian drivers importing wheat stop demonstration after gov’t postpones changes

Georgian drivers engaged in wheat imports to Georgia have ended a several day-long demonstration in Tbilisi after meeting with Finance Minister Ivane Machavariani today.

Minister Machavariani promised protesters that planned changes to the legislation governing the import of wheat into the country will be postponed by one year. 

The importers were protesting the government’s earlier decision which mandated wheat import be conducted only by maritime or rail transport, which would have gone into effect starting on 1 October. 

The justification behind the bill was that wheat import into the country was “causing long lines at the Zemo Larsi checkpoint and created obstacles for tourist inflow.”

One of the protesters, who was said to have financial problems, even tried to commit suicide today. He was on the roof of a residential building with fuel and matches when he was taken into protective custody by police after several hours of negotiation. 

We have taken the drivers’ conditions into account and postponed the changes for one year. We also decided to discuss future restrictions in the presence of the drivers. This may include seasonal restrictions or several others,” Machavariani said.

Drivers told the media today that they had accepted Machavariani’s offer.