Georgian Parliament pledges more openness, transparency

The implementation of the Open Parliament Action Plan was discussed today at a meeting of the Georgian parliament, representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI). 

First Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia Tamar Chugoshvili stated that accountability and civic engagement will become key priorities of the Open Parliament programme in 2018.

We made significant progress last year to ensure that parliamentary work in Georgia is transparent and open. In 2018, we will focus on citizens’ engagement and access to information.

The new website of the Georgian Parliament, which will be launched later this year, will provide innovative opportunities for all, including easy access to information and taking part in the legislative process,” Chugoshvili said.

Sophie Huet Guerriche, Governance Sector Coordinator at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, underlined the monitoring and oversight role of civil society in achieving legislative openness.

The Open Parliament plan increases the accountability and transparency of the authorities and presents additional opportunities for their cooperation with civil society, the private sector and citizens,” she said. 

Open Parliament is part of Georgia’s efforts under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), an international platform that unites over 70 countries to help their governments become more open, accountable, and responsive to their citizens.

Georgia is chairing the OGP this year and will be hosting the 5th annual OGP summit in July 2018.  

The meeting brought together members of parliament and representatives of the government of Georgia, civil society and international organizations.