Georgian Parliament Speaker Accuses President of Constitutional Violation Over Delaying First Session

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Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday claimed President Salome Zourabichvili was “once again violating the Constitution” by refusing to convene the first session of the newly elected Parliament, adding the legislative body would gather without her formal invitation next week using a Constitutional clause.

Papuashvili noted regulations proscribed that the first session of a newly elected parliament must be held no later than the 10th day after the official announcement of results by the Central Election Commission, The Caspian Post reports, citing Georgian media.

"It is publicly apparent that Salome Zourabichvili is once again violating the Constitution of Georgia through refusing to convene the first session. According to the Constitution, she must determine within these 10 days on which day the session will be held. Accordingly, based on the Article 38 of the Constitution of Georgia, the first session of the Parliament of Georgia will be held on November 25. It will begin at midday," the Speaker said.

He further reviewed the agenda of the first session, saying it would include recognition of the powers of the newly elected composition of the legislative body.

Papuashvili added that MPs would also elect the Speaker of the Parliament, as well as the deputy speakers, chairs and deputy chairs of parliamentary committees.

"Our agenda for the [next] week will include setting the date for the presidential election and also the confidence vote for the new Government composition, along with the Government programme. By the end of next week, we will already have both a fully functioning Parliament of the 11th convocation and a newly approved Government," he concluded.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday announced the party would nominate incumbent Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for reappointment, while Papuashvili would be nominated to continue in the position following the GD’s victory in last month's general elections.