Georgian PM hails 2018 achievements, vows for an even better year in 2019

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has spoken about major political, social and cultural achievements in 2018 while presenting the government’s 2018 report.

• Learn about the economic part of the report here. 

The PM also spoke about the government’s future intentions in these directions.

Bakhtadze stated that:

• Georgia has adopted a new constitution which has made the country a fully parliamentary republic, which is the “best model” for Georgia to achieve its Euro-Atlantic goals and return to its European family.
• Georgia has elected its first female president, who will hard in the direction of the country’s European goal.
• Georgia has initiated projects which aim to settle conflicts peacefully and help the Georgian people living in and near the occupied regions.

Georgian PM vowed more social programs for soldiers. Photo: Ministry of Defence press office. 

Bakhtadze stated that the occupation remains the most painful issue for Georgia and he and the Georgian government members use “all platforms and formats” to say that Russia is occupying historic Georgian lands, continues its creeping occupation and refuses to withdraw its troops from historic Georgian lands.

We are trying to achieve the consolidation of the international community regarding this issue and settle the conflicts with their involvement,” Bakhtadze said. He added that the Georgian response to the occupation is “peace and development.”

‘Relations with NATO, EU and US have never been at such a high’  

2018 was special for its relations with the EU and NATO, Bakhtadze said.

The EU created a special meeting format only with Georgia as the most successful country of the Eastern Partnership. During the NATO ministerial this year it was clearly stated that Georgia has all the levers [it needs] for NATO membership,” Bakhtadze said.  Relations with NATO and the EU have never been at such a high, he added.

Georgia-US relations have also been upgraded to a new level and the latest supportive act of the US Congress to Georgia is one proof of this,” Bakhtadze said.

He stated that after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Georgia, Germany is more actively engaged with regional issues.

PM: EU initiated a special meeting format with Georgia as with the most successful country of the Eastern Partnership. Photo: Prime Minister's press office.  

Systemic reforms and higher support for defence and police

Bakhtadze stated that systemic reforms are underway in the defence and police fields. He hailed Georgian soldiers as “the most successful and professional” in protection of international peace and security.

It is not only my view, our partners frequently say this,” Bakhtadze said.

He stated that the Georgian government is investing more in social projects for soldiers and policemen.

A new hospital was built for Georgian soldiers in Kutaisi. With the help of the US another such hospital will be built next year. In 2019-2020 salaries will be increased for 7,526 soldiers and 1,634 soldiers will receive flats. We have already increased salaries for 13,200 policemen and the process will continue. The policemen will also receive flats from the government in the following years,” Bakhtadze stated.

Bakhtadze spoke about the reform in the Interior Ministry andt the strengthening of the investigative direction. He also touched upon the creation of the Human Rights Department in the ministry and the new institute of the Public Safety officers.

Better cooperation with the civil sector

Bakhtadze stated that in 2017-2018 Georgia chaired the Open Governance international platform and various steps have been taken in the year and previous years for ensuring transparency of state bodies.

He said that he initiated the government and parliament members to meet with the civil sector representatives one or twice a year to speak about the achievements and challenges for the country’s better and democratic future.

PM said that Georgia is the exceptional country which is on the verge of elimination of  Hepatitis C. Photo: Netgazeti. 

‘People as priority’ for the Georgian Dream government

Bakhtadze stated that all the activities of the Georgian Dream government are aimed at benefiting its citizens as “the person is the highest priority.”

He said that 1 billion GEL will be spent on healthcare and social projects in 2019.

Pensions will be increased to 200 GEL. Social support for children under 16 and for socially vulnerable families will also increase. We will also take steps to improve the demographic situation and help young families settle problems,” Bakhtadze said.

He stated that in 2019 1,100 internally displaced families will receive flats, 3,000 such families will receive houses and 1,500 will be given properties to own.

We will also add new programs in the General Healthcare Programme and take further steps for the final elimination of the Hepatitis C in Georgia,” Bakhtadze said.

Culture, education, sport

Bakhtadze stated that better education can settle a range of problems for the country and in the following years 10-11 percent of the GDP will be spent on educational programmes and initiatives.

The PM spoke about the importance of Georgia’s participation in international cultural events and mentioned the Frankfurt Book Fair, which featured Georgia as the country of oldest culture and traditions.

Bakhtadze said that 2018 was special in Georgian athletic history as Georgian athletes won about 800 medals this year.

He thanked the athletes for the country’s popularisation abroad and vowed higher support from the government.