Parliament of Georgia

Parliament of Georgia. The Constitution of Georgia establishes the Parliament of Georgia as the country's unicameral legislative body, comprising 150 members elected by proportional representation for a four-year term. The Parliament of Georgia is headed by a Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, currently Shalva Papuashvili, who is assisted by First Deputy Chairman and other deputy chairmen. The Parliament of Georgia is responsible for adopting laws, approving the Government of Georgia's budget, and exercising parliamentary control over the Government of Georgia, led by the Prime Minister of Georgia, currently Irakli Garibashvili.

● History of

the Parliament of Georgia The Parliament of Georgia has its roots in the National Council of Georgia, established in 1917, and the Constituent Assembly of Georgia, which adopted the country's first Constitution of Georgia in 1921. After Georgia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the Supreme Council of Georgia was established, which later became the Parliament of Georgia. The Parliament of Georgia has undergone significant changes, including the transition from a Soviet-style system to a parliamentary system, with the help of international organizations such as the Council of Europe, European Union, and United Nations Development Programme. Notable figures, including Eduard Shevardnadze, Mikheil Saakashvili, and Bidzina Ivanishvili, have played important roles in shaping the Parliament of Georgia and the country's politics, with the support of organizations like the European Parliament, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

● Composition and Structure

The Parliament of Georgia consists of 150 members, elected by proportional representation for a four-year term, with a 5% electoral threshold. The members of the Parliament of Georgia are divided into factions, which are formed by political parties that have gained representation in the Parliament of Georgia, such as the Georgian Dream party, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, and the United National Movement party, led by Mikheil Saakashvili. The Parliament of Georgia also has several committees, including the Committee on European Integration, Committee on Foreign Relations, and Committee on Defense and Security, which are responsible for overseeing the work of the Government of Georgia and its agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ministry of Defense of Georgia, and State Security Service of Georgia. International organizations, including the European Commission, Council of Europe, and NATO, provide support and guidance to the Parliament of Georgia in its work.

● Powers and Functions

The Parliament of Georgia has the power to adopt laws, approve the Government of Georgia's budget, and exercise parliamentary control over the Government of Georgia. The Parliament of Georgia also has the power to appoint and dismiss the Prime Minister of Georgia, as well as other high-ranking officials, such as the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Public Defender of Georgia. The Parliament of Georgia works closely with international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to ensure the country's economic stability and development. Notable laws adopted by the Parliament of Georgia include the Law on Local Self-Government, Law on Public Service, and Law on Freedom of Information, which have been influenced by international standards and best practices, such as those promoted by the United Nations, Council of Europe, and European Union.

● Legislative Process

The legislative process in the Parliament of Georgia involves several stages, including the introduction of a bill, review by committees, and debate on the floor of the Parliament of Georgia. Bills can be introduced by members of the Parliament of Georgia, the Government of Georgia, or the President of Georgia. The Parliament of Georgia also has the power to amend the Constitution of Georgia, with the support of international organizations, such as the Venice Commission, which provides expertise on constitutional matters. The legislative process is transparent, with all stages of the process open to the public and media, including Rustavi 2, Imedi TV, and Georgian Public Broadcasting. International organizations, including the OSCE, Council of Europe, and European Union, provide support and guidance to the Parliament of Georgia in its legislative work.

● Buildings and Locations

The Parliament of Georgia is located in the Kutaisi and Tbilisi buildings, with the main building in Tbilisi serving as the primary location for plenary sessions and committee meetings. The Kutaisi building, which was inaugurated in 2012, serves as a secondary location for the Parliament of Georgia and is used for plenary sessions and other events. The Parliament of Georgia also has several other locations, including the Tbilisi State University building, which is used for committee meetings and other events. International organizations, including the European Union, Council of Europe, and United Nations, have provided support for the construction and renovation of the Parliament of Georgia buildings, with the aim of promoting democracy and good governance in Georgia. Notable events held at the Parliament of Georgia buildings include the 2013 Georgian presidential election, 2014 Georgian local elections, and 2018 Georgian presidential election, which were observed by international organizations, such as the OSCE and European Union.