One of the main priorities in terms of fighting crime and providing a safe environment is the protection of human rights, important steps have been taken in this direction.

Vakhtang Gomelauri, candidate for the position of Minister of Internal Affairs addressed the members of the Georgian Parliament within the framework of the discussion on the issue of confidence to the composition of the Georgian government and the government program “for the construction of a European state” presented to the Parliament of Georgia.

In his speech, Vakhtang Gomelauri focused his attention to the important reforms and progress recently achieved in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministerial candidate noted that in 2023, the crime-solving index was unprecedented and reached 64.87%.

“Projects, the implementation of which is already in progress at the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be actively continued in the upcoming years, it’s a huge responsibility for each of us. A number of important reforms have already been implemented in our ministry and this process will further continue.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is the agency responsible for security and rule of law. Our main priority is to create a safe environment and effectively fight crime in the country.

Each day I’m filled with pride for the tireless work of each police officer and the statistical indicators - the crime detection statistics, which are increasing from year to year and at the end of 2023, they reached an unprecedented level of 64.87%”, - said Vakhtang Gomelauri.

The ministerial candidate reviewed the important steps taken in the direction of criminal police reform and border protection, as well as the activities in the fight against organized crime, the legislative changes and planned measures for enhancing road traffic safety, the analysis-based model of police activity and the significant increase in the salaries of police officers in recent years.

During his speech, Vakhtang Gomelauri stressed the implemented and planned infrastructure projects in the Ministry.

The candidate for the position of the minister noted that currently the construction of Special Tasks Department base is in progress in Kutaisi and Gardabani. He also reviewed the rescue helicopter of the border police and stressed that in 2024 the ministry will have 3 new helicopters.

“Important steps have been made in the direction of strengthening border aviation. Within the framework of the agreement signed with “Airbus Helicopters”, the first helicopter will be delivered to the Border Police in March of the current year, and by the end of June, 2 additional helicopters will be delivered. In total, the Border Police will have 3 new helicopters this year”.

The ministerial candidate focused on improving the social conditions of police officers and noted that in 2020-2024, the salary of employees of police units increased at least by 58%. He also spoke about the ongoing construction of the "Police City" in Tbilisi, where up to 1000 police officers will receive apartments at a symbolic price.

According to Vakhtang Gomelauri, it is important that for the first time, the maximum pension limit for former law enforcement officers is increased, and the current limit of 560 GEL will be increased to 1000 GEL. He noted that the Ministry will continue to implement various reforms and projects in the upcoming years and effectively fight against crime in order to protect security in the country.

The candidate for the position of the Minister, after delivering a speech at the joint session of the committees, comprehensively provided answers to the MP’s questions and provided detailed information on the existing challenges and planned reforms. Vakhtang Gomelauri also answered to questions of media representatives in the legislative body.