Nika Gilauri – former Minister of Energy of Georgia and Prime Minister under the UNM Government – has, along with his consulting firm Reformatics, drafted and presented a vision for Georgia’s future and a medium-term reform program. The document entitled “The Third Republic”, published on October 23 presents a plan to achieve Georgia’s internal and external security, as well as a high level prosperity for the people and a rapid economic growth. The document states that the principles of Georgian Charter, and the unity of pro Western forces around it, are essential to achieve this goal.
The 100-page comprehensive document’s preface explains the title, stating that the First Republic, established on 26 May, 1921, was terminated by Soviet Russia. The Second Republic, established in April 1991, was established following the collapse of Soviet Union and has been around until today. According to the document, Russia’s hostile approach towards Georgia during both periods was the main problem. This included the occupation of Georgian territory, attempts to control the country’s foreign policy vector, as well as interference in its pro Western course. According to the plan, the Third Republic of Georgia would be established after Georgia:
* Breaks free from the Russian orbit and Georgia’s safety is assured not only by signing defense agreements, but also integrating into NATO and the US.
* Becomes a member in the European family with European institutions that protects human rights, an impartial judiciary, transparent and fair elections, free media and separation and balance of power;
* Becomes a country with a high income;
* Restores its territorial integrity
Citing the courage shown by the Ukrainian people, as well as the unity of the West, and the open door of the EU, it argues that now is the time for Georgia to lay the foundations of its Third Republic. It stresses that Georgia must do everything in its power to seize this chance. It argues failure to seize the opportunity will rob Georgia for decades, or even a century, from becoming a united, independent and prosperous European nation.
The document includes chapters about Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic Integration and the Georgian Charter, macroeconomic reforms and transformation into a hub-based economy, judicial reforms, effective administration, and small government, attractive business climate, sectoral reforms, and social and education reforms.
The document states that consistent implementation of the reform plan will lead Georgia to Euro-Atlantic Integration, the transformation Georgia into a high-income country by 2029, a reduction of poverty and employment by almost 80% and the creation a base for the establishment of a Third Republic.
Nika Gilauri, speaking on a TV programme dedicated to the Third Republic in Georgia, stressed that it is imperative for Georgia to continue its European and EuroAtlantic path to achieve the goals envisaged in the “Third Republic document”.
The former Prime Minister gave a public speech before the release of the document, in which he discussed his vision of Georgia, as a platform/hub that connects the resource-rich Central Asian nations with Europe, as well the opportunities created by such a hub in the context the geopolitical changes in Eurasia and around the world. The lecture was attended by many young people and attracted a lot of interest.
Nika Gilauri is the managing partner of Reformatics. This independent consulting firm has worked with over 20 governments in different countries since 2012. He served as Minister for Energy (2004-2007), Finance Minister (2007-2009), and Prime Minister (2009-12). He is known for his effective reforms of the energy sector that allowed Georgia to become independent from Russia and stop experiencing frequent blackouts. It also became a net exporter to its neighbors. Gilauri led reforms during his tenure in government in the energy sector, fiscal policies, healthcare, customs and education, as well as other areas of economic growth. He also contributed to efforts to improve Georgia’s overall business climate.
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