Parliament official on potential United National Movement ban: move to save democracy, improve political space

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament, on Saturday commented on the issue of potentially declaring the United National Movement and its successor parties as “unconstitutional”, asserting that such a move would be an act to “save democracy and enhance Georgia's political space”.

In his remarks over the matter, Makhashvili noted that the step was crucial for strengthening the country’s democracy and creating space for new political players.

“Broadly speaking, this step is an act of saving democracy and ensuring a healthier political environment in Georgia. It is our duty and responsibility to present documented evidence to the Constitutional Court and demand the banning of the United National Movement and its affiliated parties”, the Parliament official said.

Makhashvili further noted that the domestic opposition space was currently dominated by the UNM, which hindered the entry of new political players.

“Their removal from political activity will create opportunities and resources for other political forces to emerge, including in local self-government elections and beyond. Currently, the opposition space is entirely monopolised by this destructive force, preventing other parties from entering the political arena”, he concluded.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said the findings of the Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission examining alleged crimes committed by the former United National Movement Government between 2003 and 2012 would provide a solid legal basis to appeal to the Constitutional Court for declaring the opposition United National Movement party and its satellite parties “unconstitutional”.

In his remarks, Mdinaradze reaffirmed that this initiative was part of the ruling party’s pre-election commitments.

“It is already clear that the findings of the Investigative Commission will give us a solid basis to appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding the declaration of the United National Movement and its satellite parties as unconstitutional”, the ruling party official said.