People’s Power MP criticises rising fines, state fees

Zurab Kadagidze, a lawmaker from People's Power, has criticised ‘excessive fines’ and increasing state service fees, warning that overreliance on financial penalties could deepen public distrust towards state institutions.

Speaking during a plenary session of parliament on Wednesday, Kadagidze said he was not referring to serious offences such as extreme speeding or drunk driving, but rather to parking violations, minor municipal regulations, household rules and organisational fines imposed on businesses, often remotely and without sufficient consideration.

The MP argued that sharply increased fines and higher public service charges were placing additional pressure on citizens at a time when prices were already rising due to “broader economic factors.”

Kadagidze warned that policies focused mainly on sanctions, fines and financial pressure risked creating alienation among citizens and could eventually lead to distrust in state policy.

According to him, fines in a social state should serve preventive rather than punitive purposes.

He also questioned the justification for increased costs of state and municipal services, asking why citizens who already pay taxes were being burdened with additional financial obligations.

Kadagidze said the state should treat citizens as equal partners rather than potential offenders and called for improved infrastructure, more comfortable public transport and citizen-oriented public services before imposing stricter enforcement measures.