Georgian Parliament Speaker “hopes” opposition will attend inaugural session, explains absence of diplomatic corps

Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Monday said he “hoped” opposition MPs would attend the inaugural session of the newly elected legislative body later during the day, despite their ongoing protests over the “rigged” vote last month, and  addressed the absence of foreign ambassadors at the event by explaining they had not been invited to “avoid interference” in domestic political matters.

In his press comments ahead of the session, Papuashvili said  the diplomats were  not invited to first sessions of lawmaking bodies in other countries either, to avoid interference in internal political issues. “I think it is important that we maintain this general approach”, he said. 

The official claimed  foreign involvement in Georgian politics had previously been “instrumentalised”, and the 11th Parliament's stance was intended to “prevent such interference”. He also referred to the day as “our national day”. 

Today, we have the first session of the Parliament elected by the citizens of Georgia. This day is, first of all, the day of our citizens and their elected Parliament. The Government, constitutional bodies, and representatives of the Orthodox Church will be present at the session”, he said. 

The Speaker also noted  registration of elected MPs for the first session had begun, and clarified that opposition MPs wishing to quit their mandates in protest could only do so after attending the inaugural session through their temporary certificates, provided by the Central Election Commission for official recognition of their authority.

 Let us see how many opposition MPs will reject their status after official recognition, in line with the law”, the Speaker added. 

He also congratulated new ministerial candidates, nominated by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze earlier on Monday, and confirmed that the new composition of the Government would soon be presented to the Parliament for approval.

Papuashvili also discussed the upcoming presidential election, confirming the Parliament would set the election date during a session on Tuesday. 

He further highlighted the “need” to hold the election and inauguration within the same year, ensuring the country’s sixth President would be elected for a full five-year term, as required by the Constitution.