The Faction discussed the Draft State Budget 2020 at the sitting, which was convened in question-answer mode.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Giorgi Kakauridze, answered the questions of the Faction members.

Pursuant to the members of the Faction, not all possible assistance was provided in the draft budget and too many people still remain behind the list of recipients of the aid.

The Faction also believes that the state assistance should also be provided to people who have lost their jobs before the pandemic. Also, according to them, the assistance provided to about 40 000 migrants who are returning to the country amid the pandemic or have already returned is not specifically defined.

The members of the Faction also criticized the lessening of funding for the field of culture by 20 ml GEL.

As per them, both the opposition factions and the non-parliamentary parties had no means of consulting in drafting the state budget. They believe that the country could have better, more justly planned, more convincing and unified response to both economic challenges and health care.

"The country could have better, more justly planned, more convincing and unified response to both economic challenges and health care. I do not want my position to coincide with the narrative of the National Movement, but the fact is that, unfortunately, the budget is for the pre-election campaign alone, without any consultations. If our recommendations are taken into account, we are ready to consider approving the submitted budget. Otherwise, as far as it is done, it will be difficult for us to agree on all the proposals that were adopted without any consultations, deriving from the viewpoints of only one political party”, - Mariam Jashi stated.

"Rejecting the Draft State Budget is your political decision, but if no one approves it, citizens who are provided with significant assistance through this package will be left without these benefits", - Giorgi Kakauridze remarked.