“Great Show” with Criticism

Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

Government of Georgia made a report to the population of Kutaisi. A lot of people gathered in front of the pavilions of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Probation and Penitentiary, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education and others yesterday. However, finally the show succeeded and people and representatives of the central authority spoke sincerely with each other.

Despite the attempt of the government, the show did not end without criticism in the second capital of Georgia. While one part of the population was taking photos in front of the pavilions and expressed their satisfaction in this way, others could not help their critical attitude. It is fact, that the report of the government will be discussed in Kutaisi for a long time.

The Human Rights Center interviewed people to find out the impression of the people about the report of the government.

Marina Chapichadze, a housewife, 42: “I am surprised that our government is not tired with these shows. Today, schools did not work in the city because ministers arrived and presented their reports to us. What reports are they presenting – reports on unemployment and on other problems? Who needs their reports? I prefer to have a job and salary of at least 100 GEL...”

Viola Chelidze, nurse, 39: “It is not time for exhibitions when there is unemployment in the country, when human rights are breached and people cannot prove their truth.”

Tamaz Geguchadze, engineer, 55: “Somebody will ask me why I came here if I did not want. But do you know why I came here? I wanted to see the general feeling of the people...I am surprised. Most of them are satisfied. I wonder why they are so happy. Several days ago the president arrived here and made a spectacle in the auto-factory; he said 10 000 people were employed in it. People were ordered to put on uniforms and when the president left they were told to go home. Is it what we are happy for? Ok, let it be!”

Avto Chkheidze, unemployed, 48. “It is ordinary PR campaign. I am sure those ministers do not care about the general opinion at all. Simply they are happy that people believe them. I am personally irritated with everything. I am irritated with the attitude of the people. What are they looking at? What shall be seen there? I met my neighbor who is criticizing the government 24 hours a day. Today he came here and now he is happy. It was wish of the government. It is their victory...”

Lali Giorgadze, musician, 35: “Let them keep those equipments in their places. Why did they bring military vehicles and tractors in Kutaisi? Why are they transporting them from one to another city and waste money on that? It is PR campaign and nothing more. They should rather do their jobs.”

Giorgi Abesadze, student, 19: “It was good entertainment...We will be happy if the government will organize similar events more often.”

Neli Maruashvili, a housewife, 51: “I do not like what is happening. They are making fun of us. If you pay attention to the ministers, they are talking only with those people who have positive opinion about their work. Have you heard serious issues to be discussed in the street? I wonder what they will think off when they finish visiting every city. Maybe, they will offer us a new amusement.

Manana Kurashvili, engineer, 43: “If it is time for entertainment, let us entertain...”

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