Parliament passes Local Self-Governance bill

The Parliament passed the bill on Local Self-Government in Georgia at its first hearing with an 82-0 vote on December 13. The parliamentary minority did not attend the discussion and voting process, as they continue boycott parliament.

The bill determines the legal, economic, and financial basis for the implementation of the local self-governance in Georgia, as well as the state guarantees, the foundations for the establishment, and function of the local self-government bodies.

According to the law, seven more cities will receive a status of self-governing city and the total number will become 12. In those 12 cities, the mayors will be elected directly by the voters.

Moreover, according to MP Gia Zhorzholiani, the Municipality Regional Units will turn into Regional Consulting Councils. The Council will be composed of the City Mayor, the Chairman, and Deputy Chairman of Sakrebulo (the Council or Assembly).

The members of the Consulting Councils will be participating in municipal discussions, but they will no longer have the right to dismiss the governor.