Saakashvili Promises Pension Increase in Spring

President Saakashvili said the minimum monthly pension should be increased in spring, rather than October 1 as envisaged in the state budget.

In December 2007 the government increased pensions to GEL 55. The next increase  – bringing the figure to GEL 76 – was planned for October 1. During his re-election campaign, Saakashvili promised that pensioners would get at least USD 100.

?In spring we should increase pensions again,? President Saakashvili said at a cabinet meeting on February 1. ?We should direct additional funds to social programs.?

He also called on the newly approved government to show concrete results from the cabinet’s program United Georgia without Poverty within 50 working days.

?We will show the results, and continue our activities,? Saakashvili told the cabinet. ?If you fail to produce results, neither friendship nor other links will guarantee your position in the cabinet.?

He also called on the new government to maintain constant dialogue with ordinary people.

?People will judge us not only by our ratings, which are high enough,? Saakashvili said. ?People expect more vigorous, more active and effective work from us, as well as concrete results.?

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