PM Says No to Compromise on Cash Registers

Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli told opposition parliamentarians on March 9 that the government’s decision over cash registers in outdoor markets is firm and it will not be changed.

PM Nogaideli met with four MPs from the Democratic Front parliamentary faction Koba Davitashvili, Zviad Dzidziguri, Bidzina Gujabidze and Bezhan Gunava in his office late on March 9 after these MPs announced a hunger strike with the demand to meet the PM Nogaideli.

“Decision is made and it will not be changed,” PM told parliamentarians during a brief meeting with them.

He said that those fixed taxes which outdoor market vendors were paying previously were never reaching the state budget. PM Nogaideli added that the situation must change through cash registers in outdoor markets.

About 3 000 protesters led by the opposition parliamentarians gathered outside the Parliament and later in front of the State Chancellery on March 9 with the demand to postpone enforcement of law according to which those sellers who are not using cash registers starting from March 1 will have to pay a GEL 500 (USD 278) fine.

“This is not a government with whom it is possible to talk like this [street protest rallies],” MP Nogaideli said during the meeting with opposition MPs.

“I do not see any reason to continue dialogue with you,” he added.

“What we have listened from the PM is that the authorities do not want dialogue with the people… We will continue our protest rallies,” MP Zviad Dzidziguri told reporters after talks with the PM.

Protesters plan to resume rally on March 10.