Georgian Parliament official: no place in politics for those who promote war, violence

David Matikashvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Wednesday said that individuals disguised in political robes had long sought to destabilise the country, emphasising that under Article 23 of the Constitution, those who promote war and violence have no place in Georgian politics.

In his remarks, Matikashvili noted that the ruling Georgian Dream party had fulfilled its promise and prepared a constitutional claim seeking the ban of the collective United National Movement.

“Criminals who were disguised in political robes have constantly tried to destabilise our country. In accordance with Article 23 of the Constitution, any party that promotes or engages in hostility, war propaganda, or violence has no place in the political arena”, he said.

“A decision was made to fulfill the promise. The constitutional claim will be submitted to the Constitutional Court. This will serve to purify the political field, as the emergence of a healthy opposition is essential for our country’s democratic development”, the official concluded.

The Parliamentary Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules is currently holding a session to confirm the authenticity of signatures on the constitutional claim.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday presented the joint constitutional lawsuit prepared by members of the Georgian Dream party faction and political groups People’s Power and European Socialists, requesting the recognition of the activities of several political parties as unconstitutional and their ban.