Gori Residents about Period between Two Elections

Kato Kotolashvili, Shida Kartli

Georgian citizens are waiting for the upcoming Presidential elections and evaluate the past year in a meanwhile. The Government claims the year was successful, although the opposition parties do not naturally agree with it; they stay no positive changes took place in the country; the ruling Coalition did not implement their pre-election promises. Humanrights.ge interviewed part of Gori residents and asked them to evaluate the past year.

Niko Somkhishvili, 26, unemployed journalist: “I positively evaluate the results of the 2012 parliamentary elections but there were some gaps too. However, the number of positive changes is also significant – for example, my friend, working in the public agency, can bravely criticize the government, join the opposition assemblies and will not be afraid that he will be sacked from job because of his position. It is very important.

Otar Khutsishvili, lawyer, 23: “In general, the human rights situation has improved in the country; however some violations still occur in the penitentiary establishments; inmates are assaulted and insulated; the consumers’ rights are not protected; very often outdated products are sold in shops and markets, and the government does not respond to it.

Zhuzhuna Mariamidze, 69, retired teacher: Of course there are many problems. The most important thing changed last year. The country was relieved from permanent fear, do not you remember that time? Although I still live in the same poverty, but will somehow cope with it. The most important value for me was that young people – my children, grandchildren and their friends could openly declare their opinions. I do not say that it is only government’s achievement – you, journalists, civil society, active people achieved it. Feeling freedom is the main benefit. As for other problems, we all should do our best to resolve them; governmental officials will never give food to us. God will save us to be depended on others.

Giorgi Tielidze, economist, 26: First of all, there is not fear, we are less afraid of the violence from the government; we breathe more freely. As for specific cases, my situation did not significantly change; almost everything is the same; only a few products got cheaper. I would like to mention the healthcare system too – overall insurance is a perfect innovation; I personally used it in my family – my father felt bad and if not the state insurance, I would have to sell our flat to pay for his treatment; now the state covered all expenses. I cannot recall another important innovation but what I have mentioned is enough for one year. I never expected that Bidzina would have distributed money to every citizen of Georgia.

Aleksandre Gogadze, 49, unemployed economist: “When I recall the events from the past year, I realize that only names and faces of governmental officials changed – I still hear about violence facts in prisons, people still occupy positions based on nepotism; for that reason, people are sacked from jobs too. I do not know what I should tell you; I expected something different from the last elections.

Tamar Tsikarishvili, 52, philologist: “When election results were announced last year, I was extremely happy. I had an impression that I went asleep in the autocratic country and woke up in the democratic one on October 2. Many things changed at schools; you cannot imagine those relations we had at schools; teachers, parents, everybody were under oppression. It does not happen now. So, I think the main achievement is the improvement of the democracy level. I am looking forward to the presidential elections; I want everything to be held in accordance with the law.

Mariam Manjavidze, 50, engineer: “No significant changes took place in the life of my family and close people. We still have employment problem, social level is still low. To tell the truth, I expected more but I think one year was not enough time to make many changes; I hope ordinary people will also benefit in future.