On December 14, 2011 was held the meeting of the Georgian Government. The agenda included 67 items.
Before the meeting started the Prime Minister of Georgia talked about 2012 budget. We present the Prime Minister's speech:
"Good day. 2012 budget was approved last week. We have worked very much with government members, President's office and the Parliament. The next year budget is quite balanced and one of the healthiest budgets.
In total, joint budget amounts up to GEL 8.5 billion. We can say that this is 10-11 times as much as 2003 budget of Georgia. I would like to remind you that sequestration of the budget took place then.
The state budget amounts to GEL 7 billion 980 million, while joint budget amounts up to GEL 8.5 billion. Budget deficit is defined by 3.5%. This is one of the lowest indicators in our region and this is welcome that the mentioned indicator is decreasing every year. Our aim is to decrease 2013 budget deficit below 3%. 5% growth of Gross Domestic Product is taken into consideration.
As for expenditure, the main priority is social expenses. Healthcare, education and agriculture - these are the three directions, in which the budget has grown, compared with that of the current year. Funding of education has significantly increased; funding of healthcare and social direction has increased as well. First of all, I mean growth of pension package and the fact that from September 1 of the next year, insurance vouchers will be distributed. These vouchers will be received by all pensioners and children from 0 to 5 years of age, which will be a significant breakthrough in our healthcare field.
I would like to emphasize once more that significant growth has taken place in funding of agriculture, which is one of our main priorities as well.
As for infrastructural projects, there is a significant growth with a view to funding as well. Next year, funding of road, water and electricity projects will be considered up to GEL 1 billion.
I would like to ask all Ministries to make small presentations on priorities of 2012 to the public and media, during the next 2-3 weeks, in order that the whole public knows what we have done in 2011 and what we are planning to do in 2012.
The Ministries and the Ministers will make presentations at the government meeting as well."
Prime Minister's Press Service