Georgia’s 10th parliament to hold first session

The newly elected parliament of Georgia will convene its first session at 12 p.m. on December 11. However, it will be comprised only of ruling Georgian Dream party members, as the opposition refuses to attend. 

Opposition politicians voted into parliament remain unanimous in their decision to boycott the new parliament, and say they intend to have their MP status rescinded.

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Expressing readiness to continue negotiations with the opposition, ruling party executive secretary Irakli Kobakhidze hopes they would end the boycott one day. 

Let’s wait and see”, he said at a news briefing earlier today, confident that opposition politicians will take their mandates eventually. 

Irakli Kobakhidze stated yesterday that 'the radical opposition is driven by a single interest – rebellion against democratic constitutional order, with parliamentary sabotage being considered one of the tools thereof'. Photo: Georgian Dream press office

Meanwhile, during the briefing Kobakhidze, who will be the majority leader in the tenth convocation of parliament, has nominated new parliament speaker, his deputies and the chairs of committees.

These are:

1. Parliament speaker - Archil Talakvadze
2. First vice speaker - Gia Volski
3. Vice speakers - Kakha Kuchava and Davit Sergeenko
4. Chair of Georgian Dream faction - Mamuka Mdinaradze
5. Legal issues committee - Anri Okhanashvili
6. Human rights and civic integration committee - Mikheil Sarjveladze
7. Defence and security committee - Irakli Beraia
8. Procedural issues and rules committee - Irakli Kadagishvili
9. Regional policy and self-government committee - Sozar Subari
10. Budget and finance committee - Irakli Kovzanadze
11. Sector economy and economic policy committee - Davit Somgulashvili
12. Agrarian issues committee - Nino Tsilosani
13. Environment protection and natural resources committee - Maia Bitadze
14. Foreign relations committee - Nikoloz Samkharadze
15. European integration committee - Maka Botchorishvili
16. Diaspora and Caucasus issues committee - Beka Odisharia
17. Healthcare and social issues committee - Dimitri Khundadze
18. Education, science and culture committee - Tea Tsulukiani
19. Sports and youth issues committee - Mikheil Kavelashvili

The term of office of the previous convocation of parliament will be officially terminated tomorrow. Photo: Parliament press office

Based on the state constitution and the rules of procedure, President Salome Zurabishvili will open the first session of the new parliament tomorrow. Zurabishvili will then be followed by a senior MP who will lead the session before the parliament speaker's election. 

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If opposition United National Movement/Strength in Unity bloc representative Vakhtang (Buba) Kikabidze will attend the session he will be the senior MP to lead the session, otherwise the floor will be given to Georgian Dream member Lado Kakhadze. 

Meanwhile, Central Election Commission chair Tamar Zhvania will announce the results of elections and the related documentation for recognition of new MPs' authority. The Parliament shall acquire full powers if 2/3 of the MPs are recognised.

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All of the MPs and the guests attending the first session of the new parliament are required to wear protective face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.