Georgian Dream Takes Oath in New Parliament Amid Protests Over Legitimacy
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
On November 25, the Georgian Parliament's XI convocation formally recognized the authority of all 150 members, a controversial step that came despite ongoing protests and disputes over the legitimacy of the elections. The parliament session was marked by the presence of only members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, with no foreign diplomats attending.
Of the 89 Georgian Dream MPs who had registered, 88 voted to recognize the authority of the parliament, while one MP was absent due to health reasons. After the approval of the parliament's composition, the MPs took an oath of loyalty to the country, followed by the performance of the national anthem of Georgia.
The session was attended by several prominent Georgian officials. These included Orthodox clerics, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Public Defender Levan Ioseliani, the Head of the National Bank Natia Turnava, State Security Service Head Grigol Liluashvili, State Protection Special Service Head Anzor Chubinidze, and the Head of the State Audit Service Tsotne Kavelashvili.
Despite the internal recognition of parliamentary authority, President Salome Zourabichvili did not attend and has refused to acknowledge the election results, instead appealing to the Constitutional Court.
The recognition of the parliament's authority was followed by the election of key parliamentary positions. Shalva Papuashvili was elected as Chairman of Parliament, with 88 votes in favor. Giorgi Volski was chosen as the first vice-speaker, while Thea Tsulukiani and Nino Tsilosani were selected as deputy speakers. The Georgian Dream faction now holds a majority in parliament with 89 MPs.
Outside the parliament, a rally was held by protesters who gathered to voice their dissatisfaction with the elections. The protesters condemned the legitimacy of the parliamentary session and the election results, calling for the dissolution of the current government.
As the new parliament begins its work, the legitimacy of its authority remains a central issue, with significant opposition from both the public and political leaders.
