At today's meeting City Assembly members discussed and voted for 15 issues. At the beginning of the meeting Christian-Democrat Zaza Gabunia submitted an offer of representing larger scale of oppositionists in City Hall's tender commissions.
"We, the Christian-democrats been demanding revision of City Hall's tender policy for a long time already. We find it essential to grow opposition's role in the process, as each stage should be monitored in order to receive competitive and transparent environment, where not only city Hall's favorite companies, but everybody will have opportunity to make business," said Gabunia.
Purchase and tender rule acting in Georgia is special. The rule is recognized by UN experts. Tenders are held electronically, in a public and wins the company that offers less price, declared majority representatives. Afterwards, Assembly Vice-Chairman Samushia protested against planned amendments to Tbilisi budget, saying that ruling party is converting capital's main financial document into its own budget.
"While the city is facing such large scale of social problems, GEL 2 200 000 from 2012 budget are forwarded to sports-cultural events. Besides, GEL 19 300 000 are transferred from "Old Tbilisi New Life" programme and GEL 5 millions from reparation of houses under threat of collapse. It is obvious that the amendment made to budget are providing means for ruling party's pre-electoral needs," declared Jaba Samushia and added that his faction will not uphold the presented amendments.
City Assembly Finance-Budget Commission Chairman responded to Christian-Democrats saying that "Capital's budget remains GEL 648 millions, it does not grow. Whereas to amendments, they shall be realized on the basis of certain savings. The liberated sums shall be forwarded to projects that are far more important. Hereby let me inform you that Mr. Samushia estimated social expenses incorrectly. As you all know, from September 2012 it is planned to insure pensioners and children under 6 years old. Thus, sums foreseen for pensioners will be saved and forwarded to free eating-houses, rental of apartments for homeless, etc." The amendments to Tbilisi 2012 budget were passed by a majority vote.