Batumi Residents Evaluate One-Year Activities of the Government

Natia Trapaidze, Tamar Oganova, Adjara

How Batumi population evaluate the one-year period of Georgian Dream’s governance? Whether they agree that the new President, Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers face many challenges? Humanrights.ge interviewed people in the streets to get their answers to these questions.

Thea Khintibidze, psychologist, 25: “One year is not long period to speak about significant changes. However, we should note those positive changes too that were implemented within this short period. I would like to underline the overall medical insurance, which is available for the big part of population; payments are cancelled at kindergartens; text books were distributed for free in public schools. As for negative changes, I did not welcome the Amnesty Law passed by the new government. I think cases of all amnestied prisoners were not properly studied.

Nana Ujmajuridze, 32, housewife: “I liked Georgian Dream more before they came to office. They disappointed me because they did not keep their promises. Although pensions were increased, it is much lower than subsistence minimum. I am fully aware that much could not have been done within one year, so I expect them to find time for the people. 

Shota Dolidze, security guard at the Hotel Radisson, 26: “Both positive and negative changes were observed since the new government came in office. Decreased price on medicines and reduced fines on traffic rule violations can be evaluated as positive changes. I also welcome the gasification process in the villages. Nevertheless, I think the government does not pay relevant attention to the regions. I am from Guria region and know that several large-scaled constructions were ceased. One more negative fact is that law enforcement officers in plain clothes inspect citizens in the street.

Nodar Molarishvili, 52, resident of Batumi: “I am skeptical about Georgian Dream and think they have deceived people. They gave unrealistic pre-election promises, whose implementation was impossible. 

Mirian Gudavadze, student, 21: “Short time has passed since the new government came in office but we really have some changes. Last two elections were most positive steps taken towards the establishment of the democratic state. They were followed by many positive changes: agricultural and healthcare reforms; improved relationship with Russia; increased control on the expenditure of budget funds. 

Maguli Chankseliani, 45, housewife: “It is less important for me, as a citizen, which party member the president is or which party has majority in the parliament. The most important for me is that government shall take care of its population and not to give unreal promises to the electorate. I wanted to like Georgian Dream, but nothing has changed for me.”