The messenger logo

Are people losing jobs because of the protest rallies?

By Messenger Staff
Tuesday, June 16
President Saakashvili stated recently that the protest rallies in the centre of Tbilisi have forced 10-15,000 Georgians out of a job. The President said that investors have changed their minds about entering a country where the hotels in the centre of the capital are blocked off.

“When there are 200 countries in the world, why would you travel to one where you have discomfort? Because of these rallies shops, restaurants, movie theatres and hospitals are closed,” stated Saakashvili. Opposition analysts and the organisers of the rallies however don’t agree and put the responsibility for job losses on the administration.

New Rights leader Davit Gamkrelidze argues that even during the rallies the cafes and restaurants and the main street, Rustaveli Avenue, were very active. He says the problems the country faces are the product of Saakashvili’s unwise management.