Former Georgian president Mikheil Sakaashvili issued a public call to civil servants, urging that they focus on the future following the upcoming elections on October 26. Saakashvili assures public employees that their jobs and wages will be protected under a new government.
Saakashvili, speaking through the “United National Movement’s” Levan Sanikidze as a spokesperson, encouraged civil servants not to fear retribution should the opposition win, contradicting warnings from the ruling party of job losses and repression. He stressed that there would not be any targeted layoffs. Civil servants, such as police officers, ministry employees, teachers, and local governments staff, will see significant salary increases, and their job prestige will increase.
“I address you in my capacity as a creator and supporter of Georgian civil service. Ivanishvili who destroys the State, scares that if you come to the opposition, you will face repressions or lose your job. Saakashvili said that the oligarch always lies. He assured that civil servants would have a better role under the new government and called on them to resist orders that were aimed at fraud or violence.
Levan Sanikidze presented Saakashvili’s address, and highlighted the increased pressure placed on public officials leading up to the elections. He cited widespread use of administrative tools, intimidation, as well as bribery. Sanikidze emphasized the role of the party in creating and strengthening civil service after the 2003 “Rose Revolution”. He accused the current government for trying to dismantle the institutions.
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