Tbilisi Mayor: Tbilisi’s budget serves every citizen, regardless of political views

Tbilisi City Council is considering the final draft of the capital’s 2026 budget. The Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, addressed council members before the presentation of the main financial document’s key parameters.

According to him, next year’s total budget will amount to 2,193,388,700 lari, an increase of 219,823,300 lari compared to the approved 2025 budget.

“Another important year lies ahead for our capital and its development. Accordingly, we enter 2026 with full determination and readiness to work around the clock. We shall follow through, step by step, on every project and task that formed part of our election promises.

As you already know, the total volume of Tbilisi’s draft 2026 budget amounts to GEL 2,193,388,700. This figure is 219,823,300 lari higher than the approved 2025 budget. This gives us grounds to discuss the specific plans that should make every Tbilisi resident’s life even more comfortable and dignified,” Kakha Kaladze stated.

According to the Mayor, the fact that the capital now has the potential for a larger budget and the capacity to undertake major projects is a direct result of the political course the country has adopted.

“Where there is peace, where the interests of the country and its population come first and foremost, there is development, care for cities, and progress. A peaceful policy brings public trust, and trust is the foundation upon which a state is built. Ultimately, all of this is reflected in citizens’ everyday lives, uninterrupted services, a safe environment, improved infrastructure, new investments, and a growing business sector, all of which signify a peaceful and strong state.

This is precisely why Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of Georgian Dream, along with the ruling political team, was among the first to speak openly about the threats posed by so-called friends, whose aim was to entangle Georgia in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and push for sanctions. Naturally, we refused to undermine Georgia and stood firm in defending our country’s interests. This was the only path to Georgia’s survival,” the Mayor of Tbilisi stated.

Kakha Kaladze stated that the country today enjoys economic stability, even more efficient and stronger state institutions, increased tourism, and a stable business environment.

“Despite numerous attempts to open a second front in our country, there was also talk that we should join sanctions, which would have been devastating for the country’s economy and would have caused reduced tourism and paralysed business. Today, we have economic stability, even more efficient and stronger state institutions, increased tourism, and a stable business environment. Today, here in the Tbilisi City Council, we must approve the most important document for the capital, an increased budget, which will allow us to implement those vitally important projects that we promised Tbilisi residents,” Kakha Kaladze declared.

In his assessment, Tbilisi’s budget serves every citizen, regardless of their political views, differing opinions, or choices, because Tbilisi belongs to everyone.

“Today we are discussing one of the most pressing issues for the city, Tbilisi’s budget, which is not simply numbers. This is a plan for how we see our city’s tomorrow, its future. Tbilisi’s budget serves every citizen, regardless of their political views, differing opinions, or choices. Tbilisi does not belong to any specific political group; Tbilisi is everyone’s city.

Moreover, Tbilisi is not only the city of those who live here, but is Georgia’s heart, its capital, and everyone bears equal responsibility for its fate. This is precisely why I believe that approving Tbilisi’s budget is a decision that should unite us. This is a document founded on common goals. Accordingly, I hope that today we shall have a businesslike discussion, infused with a spirit of cooperation,” Kakha Kaladze emphasised.