Giga Parulava, member of the “Gakharia for Georgia” party has criticized the ruling “Georgian Dream” government’s draft law that would allow deputy ministers, state representatives, and deputy mayors to receive bonuses and salary supplements. He argues the move highlights a double standard in how public funds are allocated.
According to the bill, while bonuses were previously restricted for top officials and their deputies to avoid conflicts of interest, the new changes would allow deputy-level officials to receive additional payments within set limits. The government says these payments would depend on senior officials’ decisions and budget availability.
Parulava says the initiative contrasts with the government’s refusal to raise minimum wages for low-paid public workers and to increase pensions significantly. He also criticizes the lack of funding for children’s medicines, arguing that financial resources are available for political bonuses but not for social needs.
He added that his party will not support the bill, which caps bonuses at 20% of annual salary and allows additional annual bonuses of up to 10% of base pay.
