Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said the Government would “elevate the country to a completely new level of development” within the next four years, asserting that “all necessary foundations have already been laid”, in comments following the parliamentary elections on Saturday that saw the ruling party receive 53.9 percent of the vote.
During a Government meeting, Kobakhidze acknowledged the “unprecedented trust” placed in the ruling party by voters , saying “this trust comes with a significant responsibility”.
He said the Government would present an updated four-year programme to the Parliament in about a month and noted infrastructural projects would continue, backed by a “clear and specific plan” for the upcoming four years.
He pointed out the past 12 years, and “especially the last four”, had “established a solid foundation” for the country’s “qualitative leap in development”.
This goal is the primary mission of the Government. We discussed specific tasks, including the goal of increasing the economy to ₾130 billion ($47.79bln). Achieving this will require a serious effort, but it is certainly realistic. The budget needs to exceed ₾40 billion ($14.71bln) over the next four years, and this is absolutely attainable if we are fully mobilised”, Kobakhidze said.
We aim to reduce the unemployment rate to below four percent and the poverty rate to below four percent. Over the next four years, at least 300,000 of our citizens should be able to overcome poverty. While this is a very ambitious goal, it is realistic, but it will require our persistent daily efforts to achieve. We want to attract at least $9 billion in investments over the next four years, which seems feasible given the strong foundations established in prior years”, he added.
The Prime Minister said the “ambitious plans” included the construction of a new international airport for the capital city of Tbilisi, and the expansion of Kutaisi International Airport in the country’s west.
Additionally, construction has begun on a new port in Anaklia. The project is already underway, with initial results expected by 2029, although hopes are high that the first ships may arrive a year earlier. A new stadium project is also planned for Anaklia”, he said.
Furthermore, Kobakhidze highlighted the importance of developing university campuses in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, which he said were set to be completed by 2028. He said the project would provide students with the “highest-quality” education in Georgia, supported by “top-tier infrastructure”.
The Prime Minister emphasised the Government’s care for the army and police would remain a “permanent priority”. He highlighted these institutions were “fundamental pillars of the nation”.
It is our duty to take special care of the army, police, and law enforcement agencies, as well as to ensure the interests of every soldier, police officer, and representative from the security and intelligence services are recognised and appreciated. We will commit to this on an ongoing basis”, Kobakhidze said.
The Prime Minister noted the past four years had been “particularly tough”.
All 12 years have been difficult; we have faced various challenges. However, the last four years were especially hard for numerous reasons. The Georgian people have demonstrated remarkable wisdom, drawing from the experiences our society has gained since the 1990s. Therefore, we must extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their trust”, he said.
Additionally, the Prime Minister thanked Government ministers and acknowledged their contribution in the victory of the Saturday’s elections. He said they had “accomplished essential tasks” over the past four years, and added the impact of their work was “evident and tangible” for society.