Mikheil Saakashvili (44), a president of Georgia since 2004 and one of the 'Rose Revolution' leaders, visited Maastricht to give a lecture and engage in a debate with students and professors of a local university.
Mr. Saakashvili gave a short, half-an-hour-long presentation on how Georgia became a regional leader. "Before the Rose Revolution we were almost a failed state", he said, "but now we are the world leader in fighting corruption and opening economy". President of Georgia explained that after coming to power he fired almost all policemen and bureaucrats, as they were deeply corrupted. New state is based on modern and minimal bureaucracy. Among the achievements of Georgia are electronic passports and IDs and extremely high GDP growths.
After a short prelection Mr. Saakashvili engaged in a debate with students and professors alike. When asked about relations with the European Union, he said he is certain that in the future Georgia will join the community as already now some heads of European states are hinting. Mr. Saakashvili emphasised that Georgia will soon start negotiations on comprehensive trade agreement with the EU and is likely to establish free trade with the US.
Mr. Saakashvili, despite having high approval ratings with more of half of the population supporting him, is known for heavy-handed rule and authoritarian tendencies. His pro-NATO and pro-US attitudes made him enemies in neighbouring Russia which keeps a close eye on events on the Caucasus. In 2008 Mr. Saakashvili led Georgia in a South Ossetia War with Russia. He plays down accusation of suppresing press freedom. "We do not lack pluralism", he says, "we lack professionalism of the journalists".
Asked about relations with Russia Mr. Saakashvili has answered that he is confident that Russia will change and will stop acting in "imperialistic hangover" once the people in power change. Mr. Saakashvili adds that he is ready to step down once his term finished and works on a constitution that will significantly limit presidential powers.
