Georgian PM: neither domestic nor foreign opponents could compromise Georgia’s Constitution

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday underscored the importance of constitutional stability during an address marking Constitution Day. He noted with satisfaction that over the past seven years - since the current edition of the Constitution came into force in 2018 - no amendments have been introduced, and none of its fundamental provisions have been altered.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that this continuity has had a direct impact on the country’s steady development, contributing significantly to the preservation of peace and overall stability in Georgia.

The Prime Minister accused both domestic and foreign opponents of attempting to manipulate the Constitution to serve their own interests.

“During this period, there has been no attempt by our ruling [Georgian Dream] party to amend the Constitution or tailor it to our own interests. However, I recall that over these years, our opponents have made multiple attempts to adapt the Constitution to their own needs. While in previous years, the ruling teams sought to mould the Constitution to their interests, over the past seven years, our opponents, including our foreign opponents, have tried to tailor Georgia’s fundamental law - the Constitution - to their own interests”, he noted.

Kobakhidze specifically referenced the negotiations surrounding the April 19 agreement - bringing an end to the political crisis following the 2020 parliamentary elections - where he claimed external actors, including US and EU ambassadors, pushed for constitutional amendments.

“I can specifically recall the negotiations related to the signing of the April 19 agreement. At that time, one of the main demands was to introduce various amendments to the Constitution. In this regard, I personally explained to colleagues that revising the Constitution, according to the Constitution itself, involves a very complex procedure. This includes a complicated initiation process, followed by nationwide public discussions, the full involvement of society in the process, and so on, requiring a high quorum and a complex procedure for parliamentary approval. This complex procedure reflects the attitude toward the Constitution”, Kobakhidze said.

“In such conditions, it was unacceptable for us to include any provision related to constitutional amendments in a political agreement. We explained this to specific opponents, but we received a harsh response from them. At the time, we received a very harsh response from the US and EU ambassadors”, he continued.

The Prime Minister asserted that these attempts revealed an intent to “disrespect the Constitution as such”, and expressed pride in the Government’s success in safeguarding national interests.
“Back then, we clearly realised that their goal was to disrespect the Constitution as such. Thank God, we managed to protect our country’s national interests and did not allow anyone, over these seven years, to disrespect the Constitution. This, of course, must continue”, he concluded.