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Edison Research study regarding 2020 Parliamentary Elections in Georgia

By Khatia Bzhalava at the time of conducting the survey, only Giorgi Vashadze was officially nominated as study conducted by research company a candidate for the post of Prime Minister. A Edison Research, which was commis- The study showed that 22% of the sur- sioned by Georgian broadcast company For- veyed citizens who intend to vote for the mula TV, concerns Parliamentary elections Georgian Dream, like a specific plan of the of 2020 in Georgia. The poll was carried out party for the development of the country’s within the period of August 25th- Septem- economy. 20% who said they would vote for ber 7th and surveyed 2850 people eligible European Georgia noted that they liked the for voting. pro-Western orientation of the party. 23% of According to the poll, 94% of the people the United National Movement supporters eligible to vote will participate in the vot- prioritize the party because of its strong ing. In particular, 75% said they would leaders. ‘definitely’ cast their vote and 19% said that Based on the question ‘If the elections they ‘probably’ will. 3% of the respondents were today, which candidate would you said they ‘probably will not’ cast their vote vote for?’ Nika Melia- the United Op- and 3% said they “definitely will not.” position has a leading position( 52%) in As the study revealed, if parliamentary the majoritarian district of Gldani, Elene elections were to be held today, 38% of khoshtaria - mutual candidate of opposi- the surveyed people would vote Georgian tion (39%) in the district of Vake, Beka Dream, 15% - the United National Move- Odisharia – Georgian Dream (49%) in ment, 6% - European Georgia, 23% have Mtatsminda District, Irakli Kadagishvili not decided yet who they will vote for. – Georgian Dream (44%) in Telavi, Kvareli Giorgi Vashadze- Strategy Aghmashene- Lagodekhi majoritarian district and Davit beli received 4%; Labour Party, Lelo for Songhulashvili – Georgian Dream (62%) in Georgia, Alliance of Patriots of Georgia, Gurjaani, Signagi, Dedoflistskharo. Girchi -3% each. 94% of the 2850 people surveyed will vote in the upcoming 2020 Parliamentary Elections. The survey was conducted through 57% of the respondents want to see not face-to-face questions and polled randomly Georgian Dream, but another party or par- a ruling party. Out of 57% of respondents hold the post of Prime Minister, 19% chose chosen 2850 voters over age 18 countrywide ties in the role of the ruler of parliament. who wish to see opposition party member as Giorgi Vashadze, 18% - Grigol Vashadze and ( except occupied territories). The margin 43% want the Georgian Dream to remain as PM of Georgia, 25% wish David Bakradze to 15% - Mikheil Saakashvili. For the record, error is 2.0% approves report on Georgia’s AA implementation

By Natalia Kochiashvili may adversely affect AA/DCFTA-related reforms and run counter to the letter and he European Parliament (EP) has ap- spirit of the AA.” The report calls on Georgian T proved a report on the implementation authorities to “refrain from pursuing any of the Association Agreement between Geor- politically-motivated cases.” gia and the EU. At the plenary session, 552 The report called for an investigation MEPs voted in favor of the document, with 61 into all incidents of “excessive use of force” by against and 78 abstentions. Georgian law enforcement against “peaceful In the report, the EP welcomed the deep- protesters and journalists, including during ening EU-Georgia relations and reiterated the the June 2019 protests.” need to continue implementing reforms under EP stressed that selection procedures AA and DCFTA, while reiterating support for for judges should be revised to ensure the Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. full implementation of the Venice Commis- The report highlighted that “Georgia contin- sion recommendations, assessing the recent ues to face significant external challenges, selection procedure of Supreme Court judges notably a worsening situation in its occupied as “not entirely in line with the recommenda- regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South tions and marred by serious shortcomings.” Ossetia and cyber-attacks linked to Russian EP also stressed the need for clear provi- actors.” sions regulating free and paid political ads in The document positively assesses Geor- Georgian media and called on the authorities gia’s progress in the adoption of reforms and to “refrain from interfering in media freedom legislation, as well as the March 8 agree- or pursuing politically motivated judicial The Parliament commended Georgia’s “internationally-acclaimed” response to the COVID-19 outbreak cases against media owners.” ment between key political parties, however, and underlined Georgia’s role as a reliable partner. describes the situation of the judiciary as EP condemned “constant violations by the Russian Federation, which exercises effective “worrisome due to shortcomings of the selec- Noting that the October elections are lined the importance of structural reforms to control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia tion procedure of judges and a series of cases “pivotal in confirming Georgia’s democratic “further improve” the investment climate in and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia.” also express- against the opposition, which raised concerns credentials,” EP calls on the Georgian au- Georgia. EP also welcomed 900 000 visa-free ing concern over the continuing “borderiza- about the impartiality of the legal system.” thorities to “fully address the OSCE/ODIHR visits made by Georgian citizens, but due to tion” across occupation lines. EP commended political parties for the recommendations” and to review legislation the increasing number of ‘unfounded’ asy- The report was debated in the European signing of the March 8 agreement, establish- to address “shortcomings and challenges, such lum requests, calls on the Member States to Parliament two days before the final vote. On ing an “electoral system in line with Venice as misuse of public resources for campaigning, recognize Georgia as a safe country of origin September 14th, MEPs debated their report Commission recommendations.” President improper campaign financing methods, impu- in order to “speed up the processing of such assessing the latest developments regarding Zurabishvili’s decision to pardon two opposi- nity for violence, dissemination of hate speech requests.” the EU’s AA with Georgia in a Plenary Ses- tion leaders is also assessed as an important and xenophobia, vote-buying and the ability As for the rule of law, good governance sion at the European Parliament. step towards easing tensions. The report calls of voters, especially civil servants, to vote free and media freedom, EP expressed concern on all parties to ensure that “all outstanding from pressure and fear of retribution.” with recent court cases against opposition cases of politicized judicial processes are re- EP gladly noted that the EU accounts politicians, “which have undermined trust solved without delay.” for 27% of Georgia’s total trade and under- between the ruling party and the opposition, Continued on page 2 P2 | POLITICS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 From page 1 European Parliament approves report

Kati Piri, (Netherlands, Labour on Georgia’s AA implementation Party, part of the Progressive Alli- ance of Socialists and Democrats) who addressed the Parliament on Marina Kaljurand (, in fighting Covid-19 and welcomed behalf of , the rappor- S&D) welcomed the recent electoral the new electoral code, adding teur recalled, that that the AA is reform in line with the ODIHR rec- that ‘Internally, the shadow rule a comprehensive framework that ommendations and expressed hope of billionaire Ivanishvili threatens covers a wide range of policy areas that it will contribute to easing the democracy. Externally ’s from political dialogue, rule of law, polarization in Georgia’s political continued hybrid war threatens human rights and fundamental and media landscape. She also rec- the country’s sovereignty through freedoms all the way to economic ognized the promotion of women’s military occupation, creeping an- and trade relations. According representation, urging all political nexation and cyber-attacks… A to Piri, if the COVID-19 situa- parties, especially and including level playing field should be guar- tion allows for it, the European the opposition, to do their utmost anteed for all political actors, while Parliament should also dispatch to guarantee peaceful, fair and free the judicial system should become an Election Observation Mis- elections on October 31st. more transparent.” sion to Georgia. The report com- Michael Gahler (Germany, EPP/ Helmut Geuking (Germany, mends Georgia’s internationally Christian Democrats) noted that European Conservatives and Re- acclaimed response to COVID-19 the political landscape, as in many formists) said, that “we have to outbreak. MEP highlighted the states in transition, is polarized. Ap- bring Georgia into our European exemplary cooperation between proximation with the EU is a view home, because we know what the the EU and Georgia in responding that is shared by many and that is situation is with Russia, we know to this crisis. The report strongly why it is to be welcomed that a new what the situation is with Crimea condemns the ongoing provocations election system has been developed. and Ukraine and we know that The author of the report is Sven Mixer, a member of the Social Democrats in the (Estonia, Renew part of Georgia is occupied. So, we and the ‘borderization’ activities European Parliament, the rapporteur on Georgia. that continue along the Adminis- Europe Group) noted that Georgian need to bring Georgia to Europe as trative Boundary Line. Parliament and the EU should do est democratic standards;” the authorities should refrain from soon as possible and make Georgia Nacho Sánchez Amor (Spain, the same and support domestic justice reform,‘it is important for pressuring any politically motivated a fully-fledged member.” Progressive Alliance of Socialists missions as well because they are the Georgian Parliament to revisit judicial cases and harassing opposi- Borrell concluded: “We will and Democrats) announced he was working brilliantly in the country. the selection process of Supreme tion politicians. also not shy away from reminding sorry that the opposition in the Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Court Judges, which undermines Anna Fotyga (Poland, European Georgia of the need to deliver on the Parliament didn’t support consti- Representative of the Union for transparent and genuine, the merit- Conservatives and Reformists) ap- full reform agenda. The problems tutional and electoral reform that Foreign Affairs and Security Policy based nomination process’; and the pealed to free Giorgi Rurua, ‘thus at their borders should not be an the EU has contributed to and that pointed out three important is- conflicts, “let me also reaffirm our fulfilling the March 8 agreement excuse for solving the problems benefits the majority party as well sues, the electoral context, “Now unwavering commitment to Geor- reached with all opposition leaders.’ that only the Georgian people can as minority parties in the system. we expect effective implementa- gia’s sovereignty and territorial Viola von Cramon-Taubadel solve. The EU through our AA will He added that the OSCE is sending tion of these laws(new electoral integrity within its internationally (Germany, Greens/European Free continue to support Georgia on this a normal EOM and the European system) and respect for the high- recognized borders.” Alliance) praised Georgia’s efforts day and ever.”

Our Preference in Eastern Mediterranean is Diplomacy without Preconditions Article by Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu

he Mediterranean has al- brought nothing but enormous pain Our basic objectives in the an opposite argument. T ways been the cradle of and suffering for so many peoples? Eastern Mediterranean are clear: Furthermore, attempts towards civilization as well as a basin of The pattern of accepted behavior - fair and equitable delimitation excluding a country like Turkey constant cultural and economic of the metropolitan masters impos- of maritime boundaries; -with the longest relevant coastline interaction. In this geography ing their will on the periphery is - protection of our continental in the region, a growing population, over. Our President is advocating shelf rights against maximalist and production capacity, and increasing our past, present and future are that the World is Bigger Than excessive maritime boundary claims; energy demand - from the riches of inextricably intertwined. Turkey Five to call for a more equitable - protection of Turkish Cypri- its own neighborhood are not real- and Greece have always had international order. We designate ots’ equal rights over the off-shore istic either. As we said it several Every crisis may create an op- only two choices: lock horns in a our foreign policy as Enterprising resources of the island through the times- that shall not happen. portunity and we must seize it to way that hurts both of us or find and Humanitarian to underscore establishment of equitable revenue Therefore Turkey will naturally move ahead peacefully. It is evident a win-win formula to define a the values we want to prevail and sharing mechanism; be firm in not allowing attempts to that any negotiation process should mutually beneficial way forward. our tirelessness and creativity in - creation of a genuine, inclusive, harm her fundamental interests. include an exercise of give and The logic of ‘permanent neigh- pursuing them, all in service of the fair and equitable off-shore energy We maintain a naval presence in take. The alternative is sweeping bor’ naturally entails mutual re- dictum of Peace at Home, Peace in cooperation mechanisms with the the region not for offensive ends, but the problems under the carpet and spect for each other’s rights. Un- the World formulated by Atatürk, participation of all parties, includ- for self-defence against interference hope they go away or somebody fortunately, this does not seem to who was nominated for the Nobel ing the Turkish Cypriots (proposals with our seismic research activities else solves them for you. However, be the case for what we experience Peace Prize by Venizelos. That is to this end are still on the table) in within our own continental shelf problems tend to get ever more com- in Turkey face these days. why we underscore mutual respect the Eastern Mediterranean. (that was declared in accordance plicated as time goes by, let alone Such mutual respect in turn and equitable solutions to problems. A string of maximalist claims with international law as far back disappear on their own. We need should be manifest in a sense of ob- That is why Turkey supports cannot be imposed upon Turkey as 16 years ago, by the way!). strong, effective and rational lead- ligation to solve all pending issues NATO’s initiative towards de-con- through the EU which has no com- Dialogue and negotiations are ership in order to hand down peace or outstanding conflicts through fliction and Germany’s initiative for petence over maritime boundary indeed the first and foremost means and security to future generations. peaceful means and dialogue. In de-escalation with the ultimate aim delimitation. You don’t get to cut in international law to address That exists on Turkish side. What such a spirit, neighbors do not seek of reviving the already established off Turkey’s access to high seas maritime boundary issues. We thus we do today will define not only escalation, but seek direct diploma- bilateral mechanisms between and to its own maritime zones by expect Greece to revive all dialogue today but also tomorrow and you cy and dialogue in good faith and Turkey and Greece. We hope that claiming 40 thousand square ki- channels with Turkey without any know all too well that Turkey can go with an aim for genuine dispute Athens understand that those are lometers of continental shelf for a preconditions. Preconditions beget whichever way Greece chooses. The resolution.Recently, governments two different things. Turkey re- tiny island like Meis or Kastellorizo counter-preconditions (believe me, choice is in fact not that of Turkey like that of France are displaying spects Greece enough not to want to that is only 2 kilometres away from we could come up with quite a few nor France nor anyone else for that an ill-advised yearning for their co- negotiate and agree with other par- Turkey and 580 from the Greek of our own) and thus is not a good matter but of the esteemed leaders lonialist past. Did we really forget ties over issues that must be settled mainland. No law nor logic nor a way to seek talks between two and people of Greece. so quickly that the colonial period directly between the two neighbors. basic sense of fairness would allow neighbors. (mfa.gov.tr)

Thursday September 17

Day Cloudy Nino Metreveli Commercial Director High: 20°C Mariam Mchedlidze Editor-in-Chief Night Cloudy Natalia Kochiashvili Executive Editor Nino Kavelashvili Low: 17°C Design and Layout THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 ECONOMICS | P3

Exchange Rates: US Dollar _ 3.1547 | Euro _ 3.7440| GBP _ 4.0872 | 100 Russian Ruble _ 4.2189 | Swiss Franc _ 3.4812 | IMF Staff Concludes Virtual Visit to Georgia

By Natalia Kochiashvili

he International Monetary T Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Mercedes Vera-Martin, held vir- tual meetings during September 8-14, 2020, to discuss recent eco- nomic and financial developments and progress with the structural reforms. The policy response, including temporary tax relief measures and expanding health and social spend- ing to support poor and vulnerable groups, has been so far successful in containing the economic and social impact of the pandemic. Structural reforms to support The COVID-19 pandemic’s health impact has been well-contained, but it has “IMF mission positively assesses National Bank policy in all directions,” an- had a significant impact on economic activity. nounced Gvenetadze, NBG head. higher and more inclusive growth remain essential to limit the scar- demand and the post-lockdown re- Prudent macroeconomic poli- education and infrastructure. On pressures, the NBG appropriately ring in Georgia’s medium-term covery in supply have recently put cies prior to the pandemic, includ- the structural fiscal reforms, the reduced its policy rate. Maintaining economic potential. downward pressures on inflation. ing the build-up of external and mission welcomes the continued exchange rate flexibility remains At the end of the visit, Ms. Growth is expected to contract fiscal buffers, and strong support commitment to enhance tax ad- essential to manage the shock. Vera-Martin issued a statement, by 5%, a slightly higher contrac- by the international community ministration, expand the coverage According to the report, the im- noting that ‘The COVID-19 pan- tion than at the time of the Sixth allowed the authorities to launch and monitoring of fiscal risks, and plementation of structural reforms demic has had a major impact Review, partly reflecting a more se- a sizable fiscal package to mitigate formulate a strategy to improve under the EFF has progressed well. on Georgia’s economy. While the vere slowdown in the second quar- the social and economic impact of the corporate governance of state- Parliament approved the legisla- health impact of the pandemic has ter of 2020 and a more protracted the pandemic. The government owned enterprises. tion to index basic public pensions been well-contained, the external recovery in external demand. expanded social transfers, enacted The National Bank of Georgia in July, and the new insolvency position has deteriorated as tour- Given pervasive uncertainty about temporary tax relief measures (NBG) has also taken several mea- law is expected to be approved ism revenues have come to a virtual the pandemic, downside risks to for businesses and households, sures to support economic activity soon. Timely implementation of standstill.’ the outlook dominate. “The real- and provided some subsidies to and financial stability, including the legislation related to corporate According to the IMF state- ization of these risks, including sustain activity in the sectors lowering the policy rate. At the insolvency and banking resolution ment preliminary data suggest from a more prolonged slowdown most affected by the shock. Over onset of the COVID-19 shock, the will help improve the business en- a tentative recovery in domestic in major trading partners and a the medium-term, addressing the NBG eased capital and regulatory vironment and financial sector re- demand beginning in June. Growth slower-than-envisaged recovery decline in revenues in 2020 will be requirements, provided lari and silience. Structural reforms remain in credit to the private sector in tourism, may require contin- important to formulate a gradual FX liquidity, and preemptively re- essential to limit the scarring in remains robust, partly supported ued exchange rate flexibility and fiscal consolidation, as required quested additional provisioning for Georgia’s medium-term economic by government subsidies on lari- additional policy support,” wrote by the fiscal rule, and build fis- banks. In response to declining eco- potential and promote higher and denominated mortgages. Slack Vera-Martin. cal space for needed spending on nomic activity and easing inflation more inclusive growth.

Georgia hosts 112th session of UNWTO Executive Council

By Khatia Bzhalava member states of the Executive the basis of the experience gained Council for the contribution made in terms of safety in the tourism n September 15-17, Georgia is to the decision of holding the session sector,” said Gakharia. O hosting the 112th session of in Georgia, for the first time outside The PM noted that Georgia has the Executive Council of the World the border of Spain. two main goals in the fight against Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Considering that the main topic the pandemic- to protect the health The session was opened by the PM of the session regards pandemic and the lives of its citizens and to Giorgi Gakharia with a greeting difficulties, particularly challenges save the economy. speech in Biltmore Hotel, . related to the most affected sector The session is held in full compli- Within the frame of the event, of- of tourism, the PM highlighted ance with the safety and guidelines ficial representatives of UNWTO, that Georgia was able to receive the of the World Health Organization ministers, honorary ambassadors status of a green-country and is one (WHO) and The National Center for and representatives of tourism of the safest tourist destinations. Disease Control of Georgia (NCDC) organizations visited Tbilisi to- “The trend of the recovery of and is under strict observation of gether with Zurab Pololikashvili, tourism will be one of the most Georgian epidemiologists. The Secretary-General of the UNWTO. important events in the post-crisis Ministry of Economy and Sustain- The information is published by the period globally, and it is our wish able Development notes that the 170 delegates from 24 countries arrived in Georgia to attend the meeting of the to be pioneers in this process, on participants of the event underwent Ministry of Economy And Sustain- UNWTO Executive Council. able Development. PCR testing a few hours before their The Executive Council of UN- prior to the pandemic. Initially, the departure for Georgia and according WTO consists of 32 member states event was scheduled to take place in to the protocol recognized by NCDC, and represents the governing body June 2020. The representatives of presented the documentation con- of the organization. The council the organization visited Georgia so firming the testing at the border. assures the effective work of the as to study the situation on the site As for the other participants who organization and discusses the main and gave a positive estimation to were unable to present such docu- issues of travel and tourism indus- the readiness of the country to host mentation at the border, they were try policy considered by the global a high-rank representative meet- tested in Georgia and remained in agenda. UNWTO holds Executive ing, however, due to the pandemic, isolation until results were received. Council sessions at least every two the meeting was postponed. As the Among the delegates of the years, permanently in Spain, where process of re-selection of the host UNWTO Executive Council ses- UNWTO’s headquarter is located, country started, considering that sion are high-ranking guests from however, based on the unprecedent- Georgia is one of the safest coun- Spain, Greece, Portugal, Romania, ed decision of the organisation, for tries in terms of epidemiological Morocco, Saudi Arabia and other the first time in the history of the situation, the decision was made to countries. Prior to the session, for- Executive Council, the host country hold the UNWTO Executive Council eign guests guided by Mariam of the session is Georgia. session in Georgia. Kvrivishvili, the Head of Georgian As the Ministry of Economy and In the opening speech, the PM National Tourism Administration Sustainable Development states, expressed gratitude towards Zurab and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary- holding UNWTO high-rank meet- Pololikashvili, Secretary-General 170 delegates from 24 countries arrived in Georgia to attend the meeting of the General of the UNWTO, visited the ings in Georgia had been decided yet of the UNWTO as well as to the UNWTO Executive Council. sights in old Tbilisi.