Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, parliaments were forced to respond quickly with extraordinary measures to mitigate both the health and financial impacts of the crisis. To allow parliaments to better assess and implement informed policies in times of future crisis, this resource provides guidance on economic responses as exemplified by relief measures adopted during the pandemic, particularly emphasizing those targeting vulnerable groups such as informal workers and women.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the work of parliaments worldwide. Measures intended to curb the spread of the virus posed novel challenges to parliaments in fulfilling their essential lawmaking, oversight, and representation roles.

The pandemic is placing an acute strain on many countries already dealing with poor governance and profound socioeconomic challenges. In many instances, COVID-19 is exacerbating problems and the fallout -- if left unaddressed -- will continue long after the virus is defeated. At the same time, authoritarians are using the pandemic to seize more power at home and attack democratic systems that protect the rights and dignity of all people.

TBILISI – Poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) and CRRC Georgia find that a year into the coronavirus pandemic, Georgians remain concerned about the state of the economy and healthcare. While the public continues to credit the government with managing the pandemic effectively (68 percent, up from 60 percent in December 2020), they remain skeptical of forthcoming vaccinations. Amidst an ongoing political crisis, Georgians are looking to their elected leaders to prioritize policies that address their pressing concerns.