Parliament still Fails to Discuss Budgetary Amendments

(Tbilisi, August 19, 2003, Civil Georgia) – The Georgian Parliament failed today to start discussion of the amendments to the 2003 budget because not enough MPs were present to make up a quorum. Last week the Parliament could not discuss the issue for the same reason.

The International Monetary Fund has recommended the amendments, which aim at closing the fiscal gap. The draft, developed by the Finance Ministry, considers cutting expenditures by 86 million Lari (USD 40.3 million) and increasing revenues by 45 million Lari (USD 2!
1.1 million).

If Georgia fails to revise the 2003 budget, it will be impossible for the Georgian government to reschedule Georgia’s debts with the Paris Club, as the country will be deprived of the IMF’s support.

The opposition parties accuse the government of the budget deficit, demanding the State Minister’s accountability.

Next session of the Parliament will be held on August 20 in case the quorum is made up.  

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