Auto importers are holding a protest at the Hualing area, opposing the planned increase in excise taxes on passenger vehicles and demanding that any decisions involve business stakeholders.
Aleksandre Noniadze, head of the Georgian Association of Auto Importers and Vehicle Owners, said the decision, made in Parliament without business consultation, will harm many people. “Parked cars mean a stalled economy. Jobs are lost, the budget loses revenue, and people cannot afford expensive vehicles. Raising the excise will force citizens to use older cars, which is also bad for the environment,” Noniadze explained.
The association’s proposal seeks to adjust the excise system: currently, vehicles older than six years face 4.5 GEL per unit, and those under six years pay 1.5 GEL. Noniadze suggested equalizing the age threshold to 10 years while reducing the excise amount, calling for a compromise until the government engages with business representatives.
He emphasized that the protest is peaceful and aimed at raising awareness: “Our main demand is that decisions are not made without agreement with the business sector. We want to present our arguments and reach a fair compromise before Parliament imposes any measures.”
