Gov't, Int'l Partners Launch Study into COVID-19 Impact on Social, Political Life

We want to use the Report on the Government’s Program as the first step toward teaming up with international partners and launching a study into the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of our lives, such as social and political areas, human rights, children’s rights, legal processes, and others, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said during today’s Cabinet meeting.

A full report has been developed and referred to the Parliament on measures taken from January through May to combat the pandemic, the Head of Government emphasized.

“We believe that step is one taken by a responsible government committed to explaining to each citizen and every stakeholder what decisions were made under the state of emergency, to what purpose and goal, using what plan of action or structure, all of which is detailed in the report. It also lists cause and effect links that compelled us to enforce such strict measures and many other details. In fact, it analyses steps taken by each institution and the Government as a whole, their justifications and cause and effect links to the epidemiological situation, and further economic development, of course. While working on the report, we realized that it is an excellent opportunity to identify our weak points. To be more effective and ready for a much-discussed possible second wave, we want to use the Report on the Government’s Program as the initial step toward launching, in collaboration with our international partners, a study into the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of our lives, such as social and political areas, human rights, children’s rights, legal processes, and others,” the Prime Minister stated.

The PM noted that the Government has been effective in responding to the pandemic and managing risks, which is why it is imperative to secure every area of social life in order to ensure adaptation to the economy and various areas of life.

“I believe our international partners and donors will help us conduct such studies as fast as possible. Besides being an excellent opportunity to be better prepared for a second wave, it is also a chance to share Georgia’s experience with our international partners,” Gakharia said.