In 11 days, there will be a decisive election that will determine the fate of our nation. Irakli Kobakhidze, Chief of Staff of “Georgian Dream”, the Prime Minister of Georgia said that this is a referendum in which we must all finally reject war and chose peace, reject immoral propaganda and select traditional values, reject the dark past of our country and choose a bright, European future.
Kobakhidze said that before 2012, the country was in the worst economic and socio-economic situation, and the people had lost hope that anything or anyone could change this situation.
“Welcome Megreleians. Welcome Svans. Welcome the children of Samegrelo. I greet my compatriots in Abkhazia who are IDPs.
I would like greet the current and future members of Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti at the Parliament of Georgia.
Samegrelo & Svaneti are characterized by their beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Samegrelo, Svaneti, and the surrounding areas have a large number of saunas that contribute to the national, religious, and cultural identity. Samegrelo, and Svaneti, are distinguished by a special honor and talented individuals who have always contributed to the development of Georgia. I want to express to you all my deepest respect.
In 11 days, there will be a decisive election that will determine the fate of our nation. This is a referendum in which we must all reject war and choose to live in peace, reject immoral propaganda, and choose traditional values. We must also reject the dark past of our country and choose a bright and European future.
We should remind the public that, until 2012, Georgia had been ruled by a regime of authoritarian politicians and foreign agents who tortured and killed people, robbed business and hijacked television stations. In 2008, this regime led the country into a war and caused the loss of 20 percent of its territory. Until 2012, the country’s economic and social conditions were at their worst. The people had lost hope that anyone or anything could change the situation.
In this period, the founder of the “Georgian Dream”, Bidzina, Ivanishvili appeared in the political scene. He introduced a democratic turning-point in the development of Georgia and put it on the right track of development. Bidzina is responsible for all the revolutionary changes Georgia has made in the fields of democracy, human right, economy, European Integration, security, and many more. I would like to thank Mr. Bidzina for this once again.
After 2012, the “Georgian Dream’ government ensured fundamental improvements in the country on all fronts:
– The economy of the country has grown from 28 billion GELs to 90 billion GELs, and will reach 130 billion GELs by 2028;
– The budget of the country has increased from 8.5 billion GEL (now 28 billion GEL) to 40 billion GEL by 2028;
– We have halved the unemployment rate. In the last 2.5 years, 170,000 new jobs were created. An additional 200,000 jobs will be created before 2028.
– We increased average salary from 712,5 GEL to 2 005 GEL. This will reach 3,500 GEL by 2028.
After 2012, 680,000 citizens had overcome poverty. By 2028, 300,000 more people will have done so, and the poverty rate will fall below 4%.
In the last 2.5 years, we have received foreign investments totaling 5 billion dollars. We expect to receive additional direct foreign investment of 9 billion dollars in the next four years.
– Only 68 km of highways had been built before 2012; after 2012, 300 km of highways have been built. The East-West Highway will be completed by next year. This will reduce travel time between Samegrelo, Svaneti and other regions of the nation and the capital. A new highway from Teklati will be built to Anaklia. This will serve the port and the region in general.
– We have started the construction of Anaklia port, which will give Samegrelo a new boost;
– With the support of the government, 700 new businesses were created after 2012 and 800 existing ones were expanded. Through the business support programs, hundreds new businesses and 70,000 new jobs will be created by 2028.
– We have increased the production of agricultural products two times. In the next four years, the state budget will allocate 3 billion dollars for the development of Georgian agriculture and strengthening the countryside. For information, the 2012 allocation was approximately 10 times lower.
Tourism is growing rapidly. By 2028, Georgia will have more than 11 million visitors, and tourism revenues will be over 6.4 billion dollars. We are beginning the construction of a new terminal at Mestia Airport.
– In 2030 the production of electric power in Georgia will be three times higher than it was in 2012, and Georgia is expected to become completely independent and self-sufficient from the perspective of electric power.
– More than 2 billion GEL for the regional fund, 400 millions for the rural program, 155 millions for the mountain fund and 200,000,000 for the municipal transportation program;
– The rate of gasification has tripled since 2012 and 93% of the population is expected to be supplied with natural gas next year. State investments in water supplies increased 15-fold. Next year, all cities in the country will have 24-hour access to water supply.
– In 2012, there were only 12 justice houses in the country. After 2012, 109 justice houses were built. By the end of next year, another 12 justice houses will be open, covering the entire country;
After 2012, our education funding was increased four times. We introduced a free textbook program and made kindergartens free. We have completed the construction and renovation of 836 kindergartens across the country and begun the program for construction and rehabiliation of 885 kindergartens. We have built 174 new schools and completed the renovation of more 1,000 schools. In the next four years, we will complete the construction and rehabiliation of more 500 schools.
– The funding of sports has increased four times, and the result is that the sports facilities have improved significantly. This has also been reflected by the sporting achievements. In the coming years, we will be launching a 2-billion dollar program to improve the sports facilities;
– Our government introduced a universal health care program and other targeted programmes. The social budget of the country and its healthcare financing has increased four-fold. The financial access to healthcare for our population has increased five-fold, the average life span has increased from 72 years to 75, and the number people reaching retirement age increased by 155,000. The social protection package for the population has been expanded five times. Pensions were increased three times. Pensioners under 70 years old will receive 350 GEL per month, and pensioners aged 70 or older – 450 GEL. Pensions for those living in highland settlements are increased to 420 GEL and 540 GEL.
– 35,000 families displaced received decent housing. After the completion of current projects, another 6,000 families displaced will receive apartments in newly constructed buildings.
This is not a complete list of all that we have accomplished in the last 12 years, and what we intend to accomplish in the next four years.
We should remember, above all else, that peace is essential for the development and progress of a country. Georgia has not had a war under the “Georgian Dream’ government since the restoration of its independence. Even now, “Georgian Dream’s” victory is the only way to ensure that our country will remain peaceful and provide a brighter future for the Georgians.
Our Georgian Dream is to unite Georgia. A dividing line, located a few kilometres from Zugdidi artificially separates us with our historical side of Abkhazia. The dividing line artificially separates people, including our Abkhaz sisters and brothers who live beyond Enguri. I am confident that all artificial barriers will be removed soon and Georgians, Abkhazians and Georgians will live together as one state in Georgia. Together we will create a brighter future for Georgia.
The elections on October 26 are crucial. On October 26, we need to stand together once again to defend peace, dignity, and prosperity for our nation.
Our day is 26 and our month is October! On October 26, “Georgian Dream”, the Georgian people, and Georgian state, will win!
May God protect Georgia and this beautiful country! Kobakhidze said during his speech.
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