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Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili inaugurated the country’s new parliament building in Georgia’s second city, Kutaisi (Georgian: ქუთაისი) on 26 May 2012.

“This new building of our parliament is a symbol of the new Georgia,” said President Mikheil Saakashvili at the official opening of the ultra-modern new legislature.

Moving the parliament here is part of the Georgian government’s plans to decentralise power away from the capital – and boost local economies.

The first parliament sitting in Kutaisi was only symbolic because construction work is unfinished and the legislative body will continue to meet in the capital Tbilisi until after elections this autumn.

The huge glass dome will contain split-level gardens and glass-fronted offices. Voters should be able to see right in. The extensive use of glass is intended to symbolise democratic openness and transparency.

“Just like the new Georgia, this building is modern, impressive and transparent. And just like the new Georgia, this building represents equality and accessibility for every member of our society,” proclaimed President Saakashvili in a recent speech to MPs in the newly finished parliamentary chamber.

Looking at this impressive building and the massive progress Georgia has made with reforms and infrastructure development it is hard to believe that just over a decade ago, Georgia was almost a failed state, struggling to provide its people with water and electricity.