Georgian Parliament Speaker says ‘enemies of constitution’ have no place in democratic party system

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday said the goal of a constitutional lawsuit filed against opposition parties was to ensure that “enemies of the Constitution” had no place in the country’s democratic political landscape.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted that Georgia’s Constitution, like those of other countries, was based on the principle that democracy must be able to defend itself.

“The goal is simple, and we have discussed it many times: enemies of the Constitution have no place in the democratic political landscape. Georgia’s Constitution, like those of all other countries, is based on the principle that democracy must be able to defend itself, and the enemies of democracy must not be allowed to use democratic instruments to undermine democracy itself. This applies in every country, including Georgia”, he said.

Papuashvili cited Ukraine and Moldova as examples, claiming that 18 political parties had been banned in Ukraine and two in Moldova without criticism from Brussels.

He added that Moldova had banned four more parties in July this year, deeming them successor parties to a previously banned political party.

The Speaker noted that Georgia had introduced the concept of successor parties into its legislation through amendments adopted by Parliament last year, adding that similar provisions were applied in practice in other countries, including Moldova.

“People say Moldova and Ukraine are ahead of Georgia. In this respect, too, they are ahead of us. We are trying to catch up with Ukraine and Moldova in terms of democratic instruments”, Papuashvili said, adding that he had made the remark humorously, although the issue itself was serious.

He accused the United National Movement and its various offshoots of acting against the Constitution, attempting to overthrow the government through violence, and said the state could not continue merely reacting to such actions.

“Preventive measures are also necessary for a state seeking to stop unconstitutional actions. That is why this process is important”, the Speaker added.

Papuashvili said proceedings had already been scheduled and that Parliament would be represented by Members of Parliament Archil Gorduladze, Giorgi Kakhiani, Tengiz Sharmanashvili and Tornike Cheishvili.

“We hope that, ultimately, the Constitutional Court will accept our arguments”, he concluded.