Georgian President, parliamentary majority discuss constitutional changes

Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and the parliamentary majority have held consultations over the proposed changes to the state constitution today.

Stressing importance of achieving consensus over the state document, President Margvelashvili said he is ready to continue consultations with the different politicians over the issue whenever necessary.

Prior to meeting with the members of the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia team, Margvelashvili held consultations with up to 20 political parties over the issue.

Photo by President's press office

These are some of the key amendments into the constitution:

• Georgia will switch to fully proportional elections in 2024;
• The 2020 parliamentary elections will still be held through the existing mixed proportional and majoritarian system but the election threshold will be lowered to 3 percent from 5 percent for these elections only;
• The president will be elected by a special council starting in 2024;
• In 2018 the president will still be elected directly but for a six and not a five year term.
• Selling agricultural lands to foreign nationals will be prohibited.
• The opposition rights in parliament will be boosted, permitting them to create investigative commissions and others.

Photo by President's press office

Georgian Parliament adopted the draft constitutional changes at their third and final hearing last week, which means that the constitutional amendments will come into force following the 2018 presidential elections. However, it is now up to the President whether he will sign the final document or veto it.

Parliamentary Chairperson Irakli Kobakhidze believes President Margvelashvili will "positively contribute” to the process, otherwise, he said the parliament will follow its regulations, which means that Kobakhidze will be eligible to sign the final draft in case of Margvelashvili’s veto.