A deal to sell management rights to Georgian Railways to anonymous investors fell through last week, about the same time the government announced that Tbilisi Water would be sold to a company which, so far, also has very little public information available. Do you trust the government’s privatization and tender processes?

“I don’t trust the privatization process, because Georgia is a small country and anyone can worm their way into a deal. For example, [State Minister for Reforms Coordination Kakha] Bendukidze’s sister bought something, but they said it was a foreign company. It could be the same now: a Swiss company in name only, with some Georgian official behind it.”
Teona, student, 21

“The tender processes are corrupt. The officials sell things first and then formally announce the tenders. There are lots of people I know who have bought buildings or land like this.”
Salome, dentist, 27

“Tbilisi Water shouldn’t even be sold, to begin with. And I don’t believe that this is really a Swiss company. Eventually, it’ll all come out, and we’ll see some Georgian MP or minister in charge of Tbilisi Water.”
Dato, driver, 47

“I don’t trust these processes at all, because they’re vague and not publicized. Government people do deals to enrich themselves, and pretend they’re doing it for the country.”
Nika, student, 23

“They’re selling off everything. Before long, there won’t be any land left in the country that actually belongs to us.”
Marika, teacher, 50

“Well, I don’t really know what’s happening but I trust them. Maybe one deal fell through, but that doesn’t mean the whole process is flawed.”
Keti, accountant, 30

“They didn’t give any details about who is buying the water company, which means they have something to hide. I think the real owners are government officials. How is it they are allowed to sell everything that we have?”
Kakha, lecturer, 44

“It’s impossible to trust these people, in anything. I want to tell everyone to come to the November 2 protest in front of parliament. It’s our chance to change the government, and we can’t waste it. These people won’t stop until they sell everything we have that’s good.”
Zurab, pensioner, 71

“I trust them entirely, and I’m sure they’re working for our better future. We need to increase the state budget and that’s why we’re trying to attract investors—why don’t people understand that?”
Gaga, student, 20

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