Today, September 26, Georgian lawmakers almost unanimously passed a new version of the basic law of the state of the Constitution. The Chairman of the Parliament , Irakli Kobakhidze has been dubbed the decision “historic”.
Not to say that he exaggerates: if the President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili will not use its right to veto, the state will change the form of government from semi-presidential to parliamentary.
This means that the President’s power is substantially limited, and the major powers will pass into the hands of the parliamentarians. For example, the deputies will have the right to impeach the President and members of the government, the auditor General, the attorney General and the judges of the Supreme court.
What else provides for a new Constitution:
- 2023: the abolition of the direct election of the President (he will be elected not by citizens, but by a panel of 150 parliamentarians and 150 representatives of local authorities);
- 2024: the composition of the Parliament will be elected under the proportional system, i.e. only on party lists (and not in single-mandate constituencies and party lists, as it operates now);
- 2020: to be elected to the Parliament will be able only persons over the age of 25 years (currently the age limit is 21 years);
- the introduction of the ban on the deprivation of Georgian citizenship;
- the legalization of the purchase of agricultural land by foreign nationals (now banned);
- same-sex marriages still are not resolved.
It is noteworthy that 117 deputies voted «for» a new edition of the Constitution, and only two – against. While two opposition parties – «United national movement» and «European Georgia – the movement for freedom» – refused to take part in the vote.
It was the third and part final reading of the bill, initiated the consideration of which was the ruling party «Georgian dream».
What is predictable, Giorgi Margvelashvili is not thrilled with the new Constitution, and his administration believes its “one-party document” – in other words, undemocratic. They are supported by the opposition and non-governmental organizations.
Watching the Georgian political scene with interest, waiting for when the President will use his veto power, to block the actions of parliamentarians. However, «Georgian dream» can overcome it by their majority vote.
If further developments will follow this scenario, the new Constitution will enter into force after the election of the new President of Georgia – in 2018. The election process will be held under the old scheme: the elections will be direct, and the President’s term of office is 6 years.
