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Parliament of Georgia to Return to Tbilisi

August 11, 2014
 
Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

Parliament of Georgia will renew autumn sessions in the old building of parliament in Tbilisi from September 2. Luggage is already packed in the glassy building of the Parliament in Kutaisi – computers and other equipment are being transported to Tbilisi. 

Parliamentary majority believes it is extra expenses for the state economy to keep legislative body in Kutaisi and state budget cannot afford it.

Construction-equipment of the Kutaisi based parliament building cost 37 million lari for the state budget though its construction has not finished yet. Specialists clarify that in order to complete the building, the budget will need to allocate additional 20 million lari. Nevertheless, soon after the Georgian Dream came in office, government officials claimed they were not going to spend even a tetri on the completion of the glassy building, which was poorly constructed. 

Illumination-heating and polling apparatus also have problems in the building; on August 1, 2014 plenary session was delayed because polling equipment went wrong. MPs from majority complained about the fact; parliament chairperson called on the head of administration to study the case.

MP Eliso Chapidze from parliamentary majority spoke about inadequate working conditions in the parliament building several times. She stressed out about improper working conditions for media representatives in the building and added she would raise the issue in the parliament.

MPs from parliamentary majority started complaining about wasted 37 million lari on the glassy building by the previous government from the very first day 2012 convocation parliament gathered in Kutaisi. 

Several months after the building was exploited, situation “in window-less huge construction” was examined by group of experts. MPs complained about lack of oxygen in the session halls and working rooms; scientific research organization GAMA conducted laboratory analysis in the parliament building.

“My colleagues had health problems. They complain about headaches and problems of breathing. Colleagues with Asthma have particular problems. How can they feel well when such a huge construction is aired only by ventilation system? Why did not they construct open balcony or a window at least on one side of the building? I am responsible for my statements because I am a doctor by profession though I know many people might laugh at my words – when brain does not get enough oxygen, person can face serious health problems,” MP Saganelidze said. 

As for the parliament building in the capital, its reconstruction works have almost finished and as MPs from majority clarify, the Parliament of Georgia will renew its autumn session there from September. 

“The parliament must be located in the capital together with other state institutions; governmental officials, who have much work to do, must not waste time on traveling. Of course it does not mean that Kutaisi is losing importance for us but presence of parliament there is not enough for the city’s development. Some other more essential measures must be taken,” MP Zviad Dzidziguri said.

Members of the parliamentary opposition have different opinion about the Kutaisi building of parliament. MP Akaki Bobokhidze said previous government had many plans in relation to moving parliament to Kutaisi. “We had projects which aimed to construct five-star hotels in Kutaisi. Foreign guests and representatives of international organizations would have visited the city that would have promoted its development. It is a disaster for a country when one city is more developed than second one. In this particular case, Tbilisi is ten times more developed than Kutaisi. Our colleagues [from majority] claim the parliament shall locate close to the executive government office.”

Regardless the controversial opinions of politicians (and not only), from September 2014  bureau and committee sessions of the Parliament of Georgia will be held in Tbilisi. As for plenary session, the MPs will gather in Kutaisi twice per month. 

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