Mr. David Melua, Executive Director of the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) remarked on the report of Ms. Maia Tskitishvili, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia (MRDI).  Mr. Melua estimated the working process of the decentralization strategy.

“Minister started her speech on the issue of decentralization strategy.  It is noteworthy that the development of local self-government in Georgia has reached the stage when it is possible to create a balance between central and local levels of governance.” – stated Mr. Melua.

Mr. Melua also mentioned that in 2017 new constitutional guarantees were created – self-governance defining subsidiarity principle and determining compliance between competences and finances of municipal units.

As stated by Mr. Melua: “Based on these principles, MRDI consulted with representatives from NGO’s, international organizations, municipalities and experts and as a result developed the first draft decentralization strategy for 2019-2025. In addition, they are working on the action plan for 2019-2020, which once again confirms the willingness of the government to develop self-governance which will be stronger, independent and oriented on the needs of local population.”

Ms. Maia Tskitishvili, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia (MRDI) introduced the report on the plenary session of the parliament.