EU ambassador: suspension of MP status for opposition members arguably reduces pluralism, inclusiveness in parliament

The suspension of MP status for three opposition members arguably reduces pluralism and inclusiveness in the Georgian parliament, European Union Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell said on Wednesday in response to the decision passed by the legislative body.

Making comments on some of the recent and often controversial developments of the local political scene, Hartzell said the parliament's decision to suspend member status for three opposition MPs would "arguably" reduce political inclusiveness and democratic pluralism in a legislative body.

• Parliament suspends MP status for three opposition members, former speaker

When it comes to the decision to terminate some opposition mandates, a political choice was made yesterday on the basis of principles that I will not debate," the ambassador noted.

The Georgian parliament terminated MP status for Elene Khoshtaria, Shalva Natelashvili and Badri Japaridze yesterday, with the two former members suspended for missing all autumn sessions of the legislative body, and the decision for Japaridze stemming from his conviction of fraud in a case dating back to 2008. His sentence has been waived due to the statute of limitations.

In separate comments responding to the ruling party's replacement of the State Inspector Service with two new services, a controversial move that saw some non-governmental organisations and diplomatic representatives criticise the process, Hartzell maintained he had failed to see "objective reasons" for the dismantlement of the original body.

• Parliament approves bill to replace State Inspector's Service with two new agencies

Effective democratic oversight of the security sector and proper safeguarding of data protection remain Georgian commitments for which it will be held accountable," he told the press.

The bill to replace the State Inspector Service, which investigated alleged offences committed by state officials and law enforcement agencies, with the Special Investigation Service and Personal Data Protection Service was approved on December 30, with the legislative changes coming into effect in March. 

• Parliament appoints heads of special investigation, personal data protection services

Some foreign diplomats in Georgia, as well as NGOs and the opposition had called on the ruling party to pause the process of replacing the outgoing service, and called for consultations over the initiative.

However, the ruling party maintained the replacement of the State Inspector Service with the two agencies would strengthen and add functions to them.