Lasha Khutsishvili, candidate for the Minister of Finance, highlighted the Government’s commitment to “fiscal discipline”, “economic growth” and “improvements in social welfare” in a parliamentary report ahead of the approval of the new Government.

He presented key priorities for his office at a joint session of 5 parliamentary committees, with the confidence vote scheduled this week.

“Fiscal responsibility is key to our future economic stability, and we are committed to ensuring that the deficit does not exceed the three percent threshold. The country’s economy had been steadily growing, with a significant increase in funding for social welfare and healthcare programmes.

More than GEL 2.8 billion had been allocated to the areas since 2021, and noted the figure represented 35% of the total budget increase

The pensions for people aged under 70 had been raised by GEL 75 GEL, and those in mountainous areas had received a GEL 90 increase. For pensioners aged 70 and above, pensions increased by GEL 140, with a GEL 168 increase in mountainous areas. The number of beneficiaries had grown by more than 65,000 people.

The increase in pensions and expansion of social programmes are part of our broader commitment to improving the welfare of Georgian citizens”, - said Lasha Khutsishvili.

He further explained the social rating scale for children under 16 who receive assistance had expanded from 100,000 to 120,000, and the monthly assistance for each child had quadrupled to GEL 200: “This ensures that more children in need receive the support they deserve, and we are committed to continuing this expansion”.