2021-12-18
Today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili presented the Government's 2021 Performance Report to the public.
The Head of Government summarized the Government's work in 2021, also discussing implemented projects and plans for the future.
The Prime Minister started his speech by expressing his gratitude.
"I would like to thank our people for their trust and loyalty expressed in the recent elections. People are the source of power and legitimacy, the reason why we the Government must reciprocate this mandate with accomplished work, loyalty and selflessness, and generated goods.
Our team carried out an exceptionally practical and peaceful election campaign, presenting large-scale and yet feasible timelines plans to the public and securing a sweeping victory in 63 municipalities.
We will not bow to anyone, but we are not looking down on anyone either. Georgia is a sovereign state that belongs to our proud and freedom-loving people, and everyone must duly respect that. Under me as Prime Minister, not a single citizen will stand above the law, and not a single citizen will stand below the law, but when it comes to protecting the law and the Constitution, we will not seek anyone's permission. The law will always be fulfilled!" Irakli Garibashvili stated.
The Prime Minister, while speaking about post-pandemic economic recovery, emphasized that at least 6% economic growth is expected in 2022, while the overall volume of the economy will be 65 billion GEL, meaning that GDP per citizen will exceed 5,500 USD, which is a historical maximum.
According to the Head of Government, next year's budget involves raises in public service, by about 10%, a process that continue systematically in subsequent years.
Irakli Garibashvili also spoke about the importance of vaccination in overcoming the pandemic, adding that the Government delivered almost 5 million vaccines into the country, with over 2 million doses administered and more than a million people immunized so far, though even that is not enough.
"The EU recognized Georgian COVID certificates, and Georgia joined the relevant single EU digital system," the Prime Minster underlined.
The Head of Government also summarized the recent Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels that resulted in concrete, tangible results for Georgian citizens. In addition, the Government an important agreement with Rothschild & Co, which is about to start working on a strategy for Georgia's transformation into a regional financial hub, also to work on attracting investors, investments, and additional financial resources.
The Prime Minister, while discussing foreign policy, pointed out the development of Georgia's strategic partnership with the US and intensification of relations with the EU, also touching on the regional situation.
"Thanks to my successful mediation, in June of 2021, the Governments of Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a crucial agreement, a clear example of close cooperation with the West and active engagement in the region's geopolitical processes," Irakli Garibashvili said.
The Prime Minister, while presenting the report, discussed including new initiatives, including new labor and social policies, also medications prices, and the adoption of taxation mechanisms for online gambling businesses.
"In the process of mass employment, assistance will not be removed from those socially vulnerable. Instead, they will receive salaries for concrete social causes. Today's approach to growing medication prices must change and the money spent by citizens from their pockets must be reduced. The initiative concerning online casinos does not seek to jeopardize this sector, but to ensure care for our citizens, our future generations," the Prime Minister added.
The Head of Government emphasized Georgia's success in international rankings and summarized the success of each institutions, also discussing ongoing and planned projects to be launched next year implemented under the 10-year development plan.
"As we summarize the results of our work and discuss further development today, I would like to thank everyone who has worked selflessly for the country's progress, each public servant, each employee of each Ministry, representatives of all levels. I am grateful to the Parliament, each MP, and each member of our strong team. I am grateful to our foreign partners, our true friends, for their support and solidarity. I am grateful to each member of our society, everyone contributing to Georgia's success. Special thanks go to our exemplary police officers, our hero service members, each employee and the Head of the State Security Service. Special thanks to our hero doctors. Thank you to our Church and Patriarchate. Thank you to our people!
I strongly believe that the public will support the Government's initiatives, so that together we may succeed in advancing Georgia to a new level in its development. And we, of course, must give our best in our service to our country and people with all our hearts, selflessly, we must do our best for our population and country. We must create jobs, overcome poverty, and bring peace and prosperity to our people. We must introduce development and progress to every region, every city, every municipality. The coming years must be years of peace, stability, development, and building! I thank all of you. I wish you health, happiness, peace, and success in the year 2022! May God be our protector!" Irakli Garibashvili concluded.
The presentation of the Prime Minister's report was attended by members of the executive and legislative branches and representatives of the diplomatic corps.
For more about the Prime Minister's 2021 Report, please visit: gov.ge