PM Presents Government’s 2018 Report

Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has presented the government’s 2018 report, covering major political, social, and cultural achievements in 2018

Nato, EU, and the US

“Relations with the NATO, the EU, and the US have never been at such a high,” stated Bakhtadze. Progress this year includes Georgia becoming the most successful country in the Eastern Partnership and the newly created EU format meeting. Moreover, Georgia has moved closer to possible NATO membership. “During the NATO ministerial this year, it was clearly stated that Georgia has all the levers [it needs] for NATO membership,” said the PM.

Georgia should be able to better achieve its Euro-Atlantic goals and enter the European family through the adoption of a new constitution and the election of its first female president who has pledged to commit to Europe.

Defense and policing

Bakhtadze also spoke of systematic reforms and higher support for defense and police in Georgia. The government has invested in multiple projects in 2018 including the construction of a hospital for soldiers in Kutaisi. In addition, police salaries were increased for 13,200 police officers. Over the coming years, soldiers and police officers will receive apartments from the government.

Civil Sector

The Open Governance international platform has taken various steps in Georgia to ensure the transparency of state bodies. Civil sector representatives and members of the government will meet twice yearly to discuss achievements and challenges and further better Georgia’s democratic future.

Health and society

Bakhtadze underlined that “people are the highest priority” for Georgian Dream. In 2019, the party plans to spend 1 billion GEL on social and healthcare projects. This will include increasing pensions to 200 GEL, increasing social support for vulnerable families and children under 16, improving the demographic situation, and helping young families. In addition, displaced families will receive housing and properties to own and further steps will be taken to completely eliminate Hepatitis C in Georgia.

Culture, education, and sport

Believing that education can help to solve problems in Georgia, Bakhtadze stated that 10 - 11% of the GDP will be spent on educational programs and initiatives in the coming years.

Cultural events are also important to preserve and promote the country’s oldest cultures and traditions, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair which took place in 2018.

The success of Georgian athletes helps to popularize Georgia abroad. Georgian athletes won around 800 medals this year, making it a momentous year for sports. Bakhtadze pledged more support for athletes.  

By Amy Jones

Photo source: vestnikkavkaza.net