Parliament spring session closes amid Tbilisi protests

The 2019 spring session of the Parliament of Georgia has ended today. 

The new speaker Archil Talakvadze stated that Georgia will never be ‘a hostage of aggression.’

He said political controversy is absolutely acceptable but it should not affect the country.

We do not compromise at the expense of our national interests, especially when it comes to the occupation of the Georgian regions,” Talakvadze said.

He added that remaining far from aggression is of the utmost significance for Georgia’s development and security.

Archil Talakvadze said it is very significant for Georgia to maintain safe country status in the region.

Tbilisi protest rally. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.

Per Georgian legislation, the spring session closes on the last Friday of June in general, but the institution may continue functioning in the format of extra sessions.

The autumn session will open on the first Tuesday of September.

• A week of Tbilisi protests in Pictures 

The closing day was preceded by turbulent events in Tbilisi.

• Interior Minister gives televised explanation of June 20 developments

Protests broke out on June 20 when Russian MP Sergey Gavrilov occupied the parliamentary speaker’s chair to address the audience participating in the 26th Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy.

The protest rallies led to clashes between riot police and people that was followed by the resignation of Georgian Parliamentary Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze.