New Parliament Begins Activities Alongside Protest Demonstrations

Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

“Akhalaias to prison!” “Freedom for arbitrary prisoners!” “Decent salaries  for miners of Chiatura mine!” “Protect our rights!”. Against a backdrop of a variety of protest slogans, noisy statements and students shouting “killers” at National Movement’s members , the first session of the eighth convocation of parliament was launched in Kutaisi on October 21.

The chairman of the parliament is Davit Usupashvili (88 votes vs 0), the first vice-speaker of the parliament is Manana Kobakhidze (92 vs 0), vice-speakers are Zviad Dzidziguri (92vs0), Zurab Abashidze (90 vs 0), Murman Dumbadze (81 vs 0) and Giorgi Baramidze (92 vs 27). With these staff the new convocation of parliament started functioning in the new building.

“This parliament is a symbol of the construction of a new country. I would like to note that moving the parliament to Kutaisi was neither a simple proposal nor a punishment of the capital. The parliament, which is located in the center of the country, is the heart of democracy. We are all Georgians. I call upon everybody to work well for the welfare of Georgian people. I hope you will undertake useful activities for the benefit of our country,” said the President of Georgia in his address to the new members of the parliament.

Mikheil Saakashvili noted that everybody, members of parliament and government, will have to work very seriously in the future in order to keep their position. “Yesterday’s opposition has come to the government today. Those who are in opposition today, might again come to power in the future. It was a time of competition but now it is time to work. Everybody must work hard themselves. Two parties must debate here, in this building of parliament. I wish you success!” said Saakashvili.

Members of the president’s team expressed their readiness to cooperate with the majority of parliament, from the coalition Georgian Dream. Davit Bakradze, former chairman of the Parliament and currently head of the parliamentary minority, and other leaders of the National Movement commented with media that they would do their best not to give a chance to the government to grow complacent.

“We are getting ready for a very interesting parliamentary life. We will do our best not to let go of the achievements we have gained through many years of struggle and effort,” said Davit Bakradze.

His successor, who was the only candidate for the position of the parliament speaker, made a quite long speech. He summarized the recent history of our country, National Movement's time in power, their mistakes and general problems of the country.

“A wind of freedom is blowing over Georgia. Fear has disappeared from people's eyes. They are wise – as soon as they saw a man who gave them hope, they supported him. Now it is our turn. Our activities start now – we must work hard and completely fulfil the hopes of our people. The parliament must be transparent, not only because of its glass roof, but also in its activities. Today we are not going to discuss many serious issues. For example, the issue of why we are here in this building now. However, this is not the most tragic decision of our previous government. Today, we will refrain from speaking about it but tomorrow we will definitely discuss it,” said chairman of the parliament Davit Usupashvili.

The head of parliamentary faction Georgian Dream Zakaria Kutsnashvili also spoke about the improper decision of moving the parliament to Kutaisi. He said it was a classic example of unreasonable expenditure of people’s money.

Despite unequal feelings, some technical shortcomings and controversy of opinions, the first session of the legislative body finished in normal conditions in Kutaisi: the eldest MP from Georgian Dream Ivane Kiguradze assigned his place in presidium to Davit Usupashvili after he was elected to the position of the speaker and the MPs elected committees: 15 in total. Georgian Dream’s representatives will chair each committee. There will be 6 factions – three from the majority and three from National Movement.