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Issue no: 857
• JULY 1 - 4, 2016
• PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY
PRICE: GEL 2.50
In this week’s issue...
AP, Turkish police set up security perimeter around Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport
President Margvelashvili Visits Germany to Speed Visa Liberalization for Georgia NEWS PAGE 2
How Much Are We Allowed to Know?
FOCUS ON TRAGEDY Another terrorist attack in Istanbul shook the world this week. Read the Georgia Today analysis PAGE
3
“Give Us Five Years” - Exclusive Interview with the New Minister of Education BY RUSA SHELIA
H
e would be the first to admit that, unlike his predecessors, he lacks in political experience. What he intends to compensate this lack with lies in his impressive skills in management – both practically and theoretically. Why did one of Georgia’s most prominent management gurus agree to become the Minister of Education and Science? How does he plan to improve the motivation of teachers and reinforce the stale state education system? These were the questions Palitra’s Rusa Shelia put to
Minister Alexander Jejelava. “It didn’t come as a surprise to me,” he admitted of the request for him to take on the post of Minister, reminiscing that he had received similar offers throughout the tenures of the last three (!) governments. Apparently, it was the personal connection with Prime Minister Kvirikashvili that tipped the scales this time round. His friends also weighed in, telling him that this was the time to actually change things and if he were to refuse, the momentum might be lost. But unlike most Georgian ministers, he doesn’t see himself as a long term statesman figure. He says he has come to change things “For real”. Continued on page 10
POLITICS PAGE 6
Rabies Flare-Up in Georgia – A Risk Not Worth Taking
SOCIETY PAGE 12
The Ruler…a Dead Duck?
CULTURE PAGE 17
Country Comes to Town! CULTURE PAGE 19