But Georgian opposition parties have called a demonstration against the move, claiming the recent presidential election was rigged.

Mr Saakashvili saw his support almost cut in half at the elections.

His radical free-market reforms during his first term of office have caused widespread discontent.

Mr Saakashvili is no longer the seemingly unchallengeable figure who was swept to power by the Rose Revolution in Georgia, four years ago.

Nato bid

He has admitted that his attempt to salvage Georgia's devastated economy led to a difficult period of change:

"We really went through not only economic reforms, we went through cultural revolution.

"We went through the most profound civilisation transformation you can imagine in this part of the world.

"And you know when we've been trying to bring society to another way of life, another way of thinking, it is painful."

Mr Saakashvili has responded by promising to cut unemployment, increase pensions and introduce new social welfare programmes.

But he also wants to push forward with his bid to join Nato.

Georgia's chances were damaged when he used force to break up opposition protests two months ago.

Russia remains strongly opposed to Georgia's bid to join the Western military alliance.

This could lead to yet more disputes between Mr Saakashvili's government and the Kremlin, although the Georgian leader says he wants to improve relations.

But his immediate challenge is at home. The Georgian opposition insists his presidency is not legitimate.

With parliamentary elections due in the spring, the scene is set for what could be a turbulent start to Mr Saakashvili's second term in office.

(BBC)

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