Lasha Pharulava: We demand that funds allocated for officials’ salary increases be used for pensioners - pensions should increase by 40 rather than 20 GEL, while those over 70 should receive 120 rather than 60 GEL; we also demand that the excise tax on fuel be halved

“The 2027 budget is a project for the well-being of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s officials at the expense of the Georgian people. We demand that the funds allocated for increasing officials’ salaries be used for pensioners: pensions should increase not by 20, but by 40 GEL, while pensions for those over 70 should increase not by 60, but by 120 GEL,” Lasha Pharulava, one of the leaders of the United National Movement, said.

He also said it is important to halve the excise tax on fuel, which he said would help stabilize prices.

“Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili and Mikheil Kavelashvili are increasing their own salaries by 1,350 GEL, while increasing the pensions of our dignified pensioners by only 20 GEL.

“This is the height of cynicism and demonstrates zero compassion toward people who have devoted their entire lives to building our country and society.

“We demand that the funds allocated for increasing officials’ salaries be used for pensioners: pensions should increase not by 20, but by 40 GEL, while pensions for those over 70 should increase not by 60, but by 120 GEL.

“We also demand that the excise tax on fuel be halved and that our three-step program be implemented. This would reduce fuel prices by 30–40 tetri, ease citizens’ expenses and contribute to price stability.

“This is our demand: more support for the people, not more money for officials!” Lasha Pharulava said.