Soso Berikashvili, dean of the Caucasus School of Economics, deeply believes that the IMF program recovery does not depend on Natia Turnava, acting governor of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG).
Speaking at a press briefing with Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili and Subir Lall, the Deputy Director at the Middle East and Central Asia Department of the IMF, Turnava said that "the change goes beyond the competence of the National Bank and requires a broader consideration by the executive and legislative authorities".
Soso Berikashvili notes that Natia Turnava is "doing something" regarding the restoration of the IMF program, but it is not enough.
"I think Natia Turnava is "doing something" that depends on her, she meets everyone and uses all possible communication channels, but that is not enough. As for the program recovery, I don't think, it depends on Natia Turnava. It is correct that she is trying to point the arrows at the legislature. There are specific conditions for that program to continue, including NBG board reform," he said.
According to the economist, in this situation, the most optimal decision would be to weaken the authority of the President and increase the NBG board's power.
"If you ask me, I would probably weaken the power of the President in the NBG and increase the authority of NBG board, but it should be comprised with high-qualified and independent members," he said.
