Traders in Adjara Were Taxed for Tourist Season

Maka Malakmadze, Batumi

Trading center in Kobuleti “Golden Eagle” has been closed for several days already. Traders protest increased taxes and refuse to work.

Administration of the trading center decided to increase payments as soon as the tourist season started. Aleko Romanidze, director of the trading center, said he is not going to reduce taxes before the season ends. The traders protest the increased taxes.

Because of the protest of traders the center is not supposed to be opened before the end of September. On the other hand, the traders are afraid they will lose their places in the center. They said the government had promised them not to increase taxes.

Nodar Katamadze, a trader: “We request not to increase taxes. We met district governor Vasil Tavartkiladze and he promised not to increase payments. However, today we see that it was increased.”

Marina Kiladze, a trader: “They have increased our lease payments. Until now, we paid 350 GEL a month and now they have added 70 or 100 GEL. We have not paid the new payment yet.”

Tsiuri Chaghalidze, a trader: “The taxes are very high and we cannot pay. Consequently, I prefer not to work.”

“We request old tax. We will not pay the increased one. We do not refuse to pay at all; but we will pay only the old fees,” said trader Mavile Abashidze.

The taxes were increased in the trading center “Golden Eagle” in August. Those, who paid 350 GEL previously, now have to pay 450 GEL; and those, who previously paid 450 GEL, now they have to pay 500 GEL. Aleko Romanadze said he is surprised with the complaints of the traders. “Why have they created the problems about taxes? Is it a disaster if we have increased the tax for two months? Traders work very well during these months and consequently, we increased payments for them. They will have to pay same amount during the rest ten months.”

Traders doubt the tax will not be reduced in October either and they are not going to pay additional sums. They are not going to open trading center and will hold protest demonstrations to protect their rights.