Plenary Session of the Parliament
The Parliament, presided by the Speaker, H.E. Archil Talakvadze, convened the Plenary Session.
Before moving to the Plenary Agenda, the statement was made by MP Fridon Injia, who responded to the developments during the visit of Russian journalist Vladimir Pozner to Georgia. According to him, a disgusting fact happened and it is all a continuation of the scenario that took place in 2019, during Gavrilov's visit.
Pursuant to him, this is part of the plan of the National Movement and its affiliates, which started in 2003 and aims to increase the country's economic decline. As the MP added, since European and American friends have blocked the path of the National Movement by recognizing the Georgian elections, they are trying to achieve the desired results through economic declination.
"Georgia lost billions in 2019 and this season may fail again. We speak very loyally to them, asking them to be in Parliament. How far should our government look at tents and this endless loyalty?", - Fridon Injia stated.
The Chair of the Rules and Procedural Issues Committee, Irakli Kadagishvili introduced the draft resolution on recognition of credentials of Tea Tsulukiani’s successor, Nino Iobashvili.
The Chair of the Legal Issues Committee, Anri Okhanashvili introduced the Draft Organic Law on Common Courts for II reading.
The document is to regulate the procedure of electing the Supreme Court judges and their submission to the Parliament of Georgia by the High Council of Justice of Georgia. The draft law also stipulates the procedure for appealing against the ordinance of the High Council of Justice and the appeal against the submission of the Council.
According to the leader of the majority, Irakli Kobakhidze, a dialogue was held with the participation of the opposition parties, during which a proposal was made, which was then shared by the majority. The proposed version was also shared by the speaker.
The Parliament also deliberated the draft Constitutional Law and the draft resolution of the Parliament on the establishment of the Steering Commission on Public Consideration and Promulgation of the Draft Constitutional Law, which was introduced by the Chair of the Rules and Procedural Issues Committee, Irakli Kadagishvili.
According to him, the Committee deliberated and approved the issue of the authenticity of the signatures collected by the members of the Parliament of Georgia on the Draft Constitutional Law.
The Steering Commission consists of five members: Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Education and Science Committee, Chairman of the Commission; Kakha Kutchava, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament; Levan Ioseliani, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament, Secretary of the Commission; Members of Parliament: Alexander Elisashvili and David Zilfimiani.
The changes are planned to be reflected in the transitional provisions of the constitutional law: lowering the threshold to 3% for the 2024 parliamentary elections; lowering the minimum number of members of the faction to 4 MPs in the parliaments elected in 2024 and before.
Fridon Injia came up with a proposal that in case the constitutional law fails to be endorsed by 113, the issue would be put to a referendum.
"A constitutional change needs a constitutional quorum in any case, i.e. without 113 people, it is impossible to pass this change. The registration of this initiative by us is a demonstration of the responsibility and political will that we have shown in the political dialogue as well. Accordingly, we have also said that we will leave the door of Parliament open for other members of the opposition, if they have an interest in lowering the threshold for the 2024 parliamentary elections.
I would also like to make it clear to our citizens that this change does not concern the main text of the Constitution of Georgia and here our position remains the same that the Constitution should not be changed. Frequent constitutional changes, as has happened in the past, are not acceptable to us. Our country needs a stable constitution and today we have a constitution that is based on national interests and is in line with European standards”, - Archil Talakvadze stated.
After that, the Parliament voted for and approved the deliberated issues.
After the break, the Parliament deliberated and approved with III reading the Bills on: Common Courts and Conflict of Interest and Corruption in Public Service, which were introduced by Anri Okhanashvili.
With that, the Plenary Session accomplished its work.