Such an erroneous opinion on civil society’s role in policy formation and decision making process is especially alarming from Mr. Kaladze’s side, who is the high government official and at the same time the first Deputy Prime Minister. Frequently, civil society and government representatives have different positions, however, it’s a usual process characteristic to the democratic governance. Therefore, submission of unreasoned accusations and using of various conspiracy theories in response to NGOs’ remarks is absolutely unacceptable.  We regret if government of Georgia intends to use similar rhetoric in relationship with the Civil Sector. 

 

Connection of NGOs’ remarks to vague financial interests is especially surprising from the side of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Georgia, when high officials of the Ministry themselves possessed commercial interests in energy field until very recently.  The society has not received clear answers if they have sold their shares in energy companies so far.