Anti-corruption laws can be revised if advised by Parliamentary committee - PM
The PM emphasised the “competency, integrity and patriotism” of current Government members, saying he saw “no need” for major changes in his cabinet. Photo: Parliament press office
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Irakli Kobakhidze, the newly appointed Prime Minister of Georgia, on Thursday said domestic anti-corruption laws could be revised if advised by the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee.
In his press comments over the country’s Anti-Corruption Bureau and its functions, the official stressed the legislative body was discussing potential changes in the law.
He stressed his office would assess the Parliament's stance and consider revising the legislation if advised by the Committee.
Responding to inquiries about not granting President Salome Zourabichvili permission for foreign visits, Kobakhidze cited the former’s “repeated violations of the country's constitution” - a reference to her unauthorised visits last year - and “actions against” Georgia’s European Union candidacy as bases for withholding the approval.
The PM also emphasised the “competency, integrity and patriotism” of current Government members, saying he saw “no need” for major changes in his cabinet.
I am committed to working with the team endorsed by the Parliament of Georgia. Each member brings professionalism, integrity, and crucial experience. Despite the challenges of the past three years, this team has adeptly tackled issues, and I am fully committed to continuing our work together", Kobakhidze said.
The Parliament voted for confidence in Kobakhidze's Government and its programme on Thursday, with 84 MPs supporting the motion and 10 voting against.
Georgian Parliament on Thursday approved Irakli Kobakhidze, the former Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, as the Prime Minister of Georgia, following the resignation of the former PM Irakli Garibashvili.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday met Razhden Kuprashvili, the new Chair of the country’s recently established Anti-Corruption Bureau, who was selected for the position by the Government head from candidates shortlisted by a selection commission on Monday.
The Georgian Government Administration on Thursday said President Salome Zourabichvili had not requested authorisation from the body for her planned visit to France for participation in the Paris Peace Forum between Friday and Saturday.
The ruling Georgian Dream party on Wednesday fell short of votes for President Salome Zourabichvili’s impeachment in the Parliament after 86 MPs voted for her dismissal instead of the mandatory 100.
Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Friday extended his congratulations to Irakli Kobakhidze, the newly confirmed Georgian Prime Minister, and his cabinet, saying he was “looking forward” to continuing “working closely” with Georgia during a “historic phase” of relations.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday claimed there was an “open alliance” between President Salome Zourabichvili and the opposition United National Movement party.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday said Georgia could be in the world’s top 10 countries in combating corruption “with the right action”.
The Parliament of Georgia on Wednesday announced its Budget Office would become an observer member of the European Union Independent Fiscal Institutions Network.