The opposition party Gakharia for Georgia has proposed the creation of a temporary parliamentary commission to examine the issue of a minimum wage in Georgia, following criticism of the ruling Georgian Dream for rejecting its legislative initiative.
Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of the party, said the government’s refusal to support the proposal to introduce a minimum wage condemns citizens to poverty and deepens social inequality.
Sharashidze claimed that Georgian Dream justified its decision by arguing that the draft law had not been sufficiently studied. In response, the opposition party is now calling for a dedicated parliamentary commission to analyze the issue in detail.
“Yesterday we submitted our legislative initiative to Parliament, proposing that the minimum wage in Georgia should exceed 1,050 GEL. A Georgian citizen should not be treated as cheap labor. No one should be forced to accept a low wage simply because they have no alternative,” Sharashidze said.
He added that discussion of the initiative in Parliament was met with irritation and dismissive reactions from members of the ruling party.
“The main argument of Georgian Dream was that the draft law lacked sufficient study and discussion. That is why our party is proposing a temporary commission to examine the minimum wage, taking into account inflation, current prices, and the overall economic situation. We call on Georgian Dream to support this commission,” he said.
Sharashidze warned that failure to back the initiative would indicate a lack of genuine interest by the ruling party in improving citizens’ social conditions.
“Our political force, Gakharia for Georgia, will continue to fight for a decent standard of living, fair salaries, and pensions. If the current administration blocks progress, after the 2028 elections we will establish a legally mandated minimum wage to ensure citizens can earn a worthy living through their labor,” he stated.
Image source: 1TV.ge
