“Presentation of the organization methods and actions of my Local Authority”

1. “Presentation of the organization methods andactions of my Local Authority” By George Mosidze, Tbilisi City Councilor

2. Content • Presentation of Tbilisi City • Presentation of the Self-Government • Budget and its characteristics • Methods & actions • Proposal

3. Presentation of Tbilisi City • Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia. It was founded by Georgian king Vakhtang Gorgasali in 5th century. King was hunting in the area and came across the sulphuric warm springs. He decided to build the capital in this area and name it “Tbilisi”, what means “Warm City”. There are a lot of sulphuric baths in the capital even nowadays. In the course of history Tbilisi has been occupied by Arabs, Persians, Turk-Osmans, Russians, etc. The residence of the Lord-Governor of Caucasus under the Russian Empire, actual capital of Caucasus, was situated in Tbilisi.

4. Presentation of Tbilisi City • In 1918-21 Tbilisi was the capital of the Independent Democratic Republic of Georgia. Later it was part of Soviet Union, as the capital of Georgian Soviet Socialistic Republic. Since 1991 Tbilisi is the capital of the Independent Republic of Georgia. Nowadays the population of Tbilisi counts 1.1 million, about 30 per cent of the whole population of Georgia. Out of 100 ethnic groups presented in Tbilisi 80 per cent are Georgians and the rest Armenians, Azerbaijani, Russians, Kurds and etc.

5. Presentation of the Self-Government • There is only one level self-governance in Tbilisi. The Mayor is appointed by the President and the City Council (Sakrebulo) is elected by the population by party lists. According to administrative division law Tbilisi is divided into 5 districts, which do not have the self-government (only appointed by President heads of administration). The highest official of the city is the Mayor, who is managing the municipality.

6. Presentation of the Self-Government • In the executive vertical the second rank is held by the City Premier, who is leading the City Government. The Premier is also appointed by the President, but with approval of the City Council. Tbilisi City Council comprises of 49 Members. 30 of them form the “Majority for President Saakashvili”, 11 members – the Right Opposition (leading by me), 6 – Labour party, 2 – independent councilors.

7. Budget and its characteristics • Tbilisi Budget of 2005 amounts 422,8 million GEL (approximately 192 million Euro). Hereof: • Salaries of civil servants – 22,8 million GEL • Public defense – 7,6 million GEL • Municipal Police – 26,3 million GEL • Education expenses – 49,4 million GEL • Public Health – 19,7 million GEL • Social expenses – 72,9 million GEL • Housing & utility expenses – 187,8 million GEL • Culture expenses – 13,4 million GEL • Sport activities – 8,3 million GEL • Veterinary service – 0,4 million GEL • Capital investment – 9,6 million GEL • Miscellaneous – 4,6 million GEL

8. Methods & actions • The City Council assembles twice a month, on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. The Committee Meetings are held once a week. There are 6 commissions: • Inspection commission • Financial, Budgetary and Investment commission • Legal issues and Human Rights commission • Civil Integration and Public Relations commission • Economic reforms and municipal services commission • Healthcare, Social issues, Culture, Education and Sport commission

9. Proposal • Our Group – the Right Opposition faction - has drafted a bill, according to which the Mayor of Tbilisi should be elected directly by the population and Tbilisi should be divided into 33 Municipalities, each Municipality should have elected superior, the property and taxes should be separated from city budget, etc.

10. Thank you for attention www.mosidze.ge