Georgian PM: political parties seek to undermine healthy democracy, constitutional action needed

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday accused certain political parties of obstructing the development of a healthy political and democratic system in the country, stating that constitutional measures were necessary to counteract these efforts.

Speaking to journalists, the Prime Minister pointed to a forthcoming constitutional lawsuit as a specific step in this direction.

“In a few days, the final version of the lawsuit will be prepared and submitted to Georgia’s Constitutional Court. Our country needs stability and the strengthening of its democratic system, and this constitutional lawsuit serves precisely that purpose”, the PM said.

“Currently, there are political parties in our system whose every action is directed toward destruction and undermining democracy. They are attempting to prevent the establishment of a healthy political and democratic system in Georgia, and constitutional confrontation is required to address this. This is exactly what the forthcoming constitutional lawsuit represents”, he concluded.

The constitutional lawsuit aims to declare the United National Movement (UNM) and all affiliated political parties unconstitutional. The ruling Georgian Dream party contends that these opposition groups are part of a “collective UNM”, which they accuse of undermining Georgia's democratic system. The lawsuit is based on findings from a parliamentary investigative commission.