A veteran is one of the most honorable statuses in any society cherishing freedom as a supreme value, and the strength of a state is defined by its attitude toward those protecting their homeland, Georgian Prime Minister stated in his speech at today’s event marking Veterans Day.

According to Irakli Kobakhidze, there were no solid social guarantees in place under the previous government. But, immediately after assuming power, the ruling team launched active work in this direction.

“I would like to wish a Happy Veterans Day to you our cherished veterans, worthy fighters representing the Defense Forces, the Police Forces, and special services, those selfless for the sake of the homeland. A veteran is one of the most honorable statuses in any society cherishing freedom as a supreme value, and the strength of a state is defined by its attitude toward those protecting their homeland. Consequently, caring for your wellbeing, and duly appreciating your merits and heroism, has been our top priority since coming to power. The fact that we are celebrating this day for the 10th time bears witness to this.

Under the previous government, there were no solid social guarantees in place, not even a minimal universal insurance package, for veterans. Immediately after assuming power, we launched active work in this direction, laying the foundation for the creation of the Service of Veterans Affairs, and prioritizing care for veterans. Over these years, we have taken more than one step to duly appreciate your merits.

For the family members of those killed or deceased as a result of wounds suffered in the fight for Georgia’s territorial integrity, freedom, and independence, also during the events of May 1998 and August 2004, a monthly state compensation was established, and this compensation is increasing. If, in 2014, it made up 500 GEL, now it constitutes 1,200 GEL. The restriction allowing only pension-aged veterans to enjoy household subsidies has been abolished. As a result, about 45,000 veterans have been able to receive this assistance. Concessions were established, including in terms of fares for using municipal transport and trains, and enjoying services provided by the Public Service Development Agency, and other services as well. A package for veterans was inaugurated under the State Universal Healthcare Program. Within the framework of this package, medical services within a 15,000 GEL annual limit are fully financed for veterans. The Rehabilitation Program for War Veterans was launched. In terms of education, under our social program, the children of veterans enjoy state-funded scholarship grants to study in institutions of higher education. When using the state program for professional training/retraining and qualification enhancement, veterans enjoy priority rights. Associations, cooperatives, and farming enterprises of veteran farmers were established under the programs designed to encourage entrepreneurship.

This is only a fraction of the steps taken by us. I avail myself of this opportunity to express enormous gratitude to the leadership and each employee of the State Service of Veterans Affairs for their efforts resulting in the substantial bettering of the situation. Still, we will not settle for what has been achieved-we will continue supporting the State Service of Veterans Affairs and expanding the relevant state programs. And said matters will be taken into account in the planning of the 2025 budget, among others.

To fulfil our plans, and for the country’s further advancement, strengthening peace and stability is the key precondition. You veterans know best the price of peace. I thank you for your heroism, selflessness for the sake of the homeland, and your contribution to the building of Georgia’s better future. Once again, I join you in today’s celebrations, and I wish you peace and prosperity”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.