Georgian Parliament official: EU and NATO constitutional clause important, but Constitution not read in reverse order

Archil Gorduladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, said on Saturday that Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution - which sets out the country’s commitment to European Union and NATO integration - is an important provision. However, he noted that it must be interpreted within the Constitution’s broader framework, including the foundational principles in Article 1, which defines Georgia as a democratic state based on sovereignty, the rule of law, and state governance.

Speaking on the Imedi TV talk show Open Air - Debates, Gorduladze accused opponents of avoiding substantive discussion on EU resolutions and instead raising unrelated or fabricated issues. He described this approach as indicative of deeper problems within the political opposition.

“What did we see today as a result of these heated debates? Regarding the issue for which we were gathered and came here, we were supposed to talk about EU resolutions, but since our opponents had no arguments - and still have none - they started talking about absolutely everything and nothing. For example, one of our opponents even presented an idea that we never said. That sometimes happens”, he said.

The official noted that the ruling Georgian Dream party’s position was clear - Article 78 is significant, but it cannot overshadow the other 77 articles.

“Our position in general, the position of the Georgian Dream party, is that yes, Article 78 is important for us. However, we do not read the Constitution backwards; we do not start reading the Constitution from Article 78, but from Article 1”, Gorduladze noted.

Gorduladze further highlighted that some individuals mistakenly treat Article 78 as if it overrides other constitutional provisions, which he described as a flawed interpretation.

“There are people who think that Article 78 can overshadow the remaining 77 articles. Such people exist. Unfortunately, even members of Parliament are among them, but what can we do? That is the reality, a sad reality. That is why it is important that competent and country-loving people become members of Parliament and are involved in politics in general”, he concluded.