TBILISI, DFWatch – Georgia’s 2011 budget was passed Thursday after a debate in an almost empty parliament.

In its revised form it is increased by 219 million lari to a total of 7 570 million.

84 votes for the budget and 4 against. But during the debate there were hardly anyone in the hall. Only 24 lawmakers attended, 20 from the ruling party and 4 opposition representatives.

Dimitry Gvindadze, Georgian Finance Minister presented the revised budget at a plenary session. There had to be three roll calls before the voting was allowed to proceed, because too few deputies were in attendance. The minimum number is 76, while at first only 70 members of parliament were registered, and second only 75.

At last the problem was solved after a call from the parliamentary speaker.