"Georgian Dream" Continues to Plunder and Impoverish Georgia – Levan Samushia

According to Levan Samushia, a member of "Lelo – Strong Georgia," the economic situation of Georgian citizens is deteriorating under the "Georgian Dream" government.

Samushia stated that, up to and including August, 404 million GEL had been collected from citizens in the form of fines and penalties.

"These include parking fines—at a time when parking in the city is completely unregulated—as well as fines for bus and metro travel and vehicle-related fines, all while road infrastructure remains in a state of total disarray," Samushia said.

He added that the emigration of the population also points to the country's dire social situation.

"Georgia is being drained of its citizens because life here has become unbearable. Over the past five years, 22,737 children have left Georgia; their parents withdrew them from school and took them abroad," Samushia stated. Samushia also addressed the issue of public sector remuneration and pension increases, noting that, in his assessment, government officials have seen significant salary hikes, whereas pensioners’ benefits have risen by only 20 GEL.

"This is happening against a backdrop where rival clans are hauling gold bars and millions out of their homes. 'Georgian Dream' is steeped in corruption from top to bottom," he stated.

Samushia remarked that while government officials face corruption allegations and investigations, "Georgian Dream" speaks of peace and economic prosperity in the country.

"This is occurring while Georgia's Defense Minister admits to looting the army, and the Prime Minister and the head of the security service face bribery charges. Ask 'Georgian Dream,' and they claim to have brought peace and economic prosperity. In reality, this is the disaster 'Georgian Dream' has brought upon our country," said Levan Samushia.