Opposition’s constitutional proposals criticised by NGO platform chair Lasha Tugushi

The constitutional amendments drafted by Georgia’s political opposition and President Giorgi Margvelashvili have been criticised by Lasha Tugushi, Chairperson of the Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum.

Tugushi commented on the amendments following a meeting between non-governmental organisations involved in discussions on constitutional changes and President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili.

In this paper there is not a single word about human rights. And that while not even mentioning the land [ownership legislation] question.

If the [ruling party] agree to this paper I will welcome it, however I believe steps that would have been tactically correct have not been taken. In addition, the group of issues selected [in the paper] is not right in terms of ideas”, said Tugushi in comments to the media.

Tugushi (second from left) commented on the proposals following a meeting between president Margvelashvili and opposition parties earlier today. Photo: President of Georgia press office.

The suggestions for changes to the constitution were drafted by the opposition and president Margvelashvili and submitted to the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party and the Venice Commission for consideration today.

This follows announcement by Margvelashvili on Tuesday about a "final consensus” reached between him and the opposition over the amendments.

These political parties have different views over many of the issues. [Moreover,] Consultations have been underway during the harsh election campaign and the final consensus has been achieved over the values that we should all share in common”, Marvelashvili said.

The development is the latest step in the discussions and debates over changes to the constitution that have been ongoing throughout the year.

The Georgian State Constitutional Commission launched a process of review of the constitution last year.

Topics of debate between the opposition and the ruling party include delaying the cancellation of the single-seat election system until the 2024 parliamentary elections — suggested by the government but opposed by the opposition.

Other subjects involve prohibition of formation of political blocs between parties and annulment of the system of direct election of the president.

The ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party plans to adopt its proposed changes to the constitution in late September.