Former Parliament Vice-Speaker approved Constitutional Court judge
By Tea Mariamidze
Friday, February 10
With 101 votes for and 10 against, the Parliament of Georgia approved the candidacy of Manana Kobakhidze, the former Parliament vice-Speaker, for the position of Constitutional Court Judge.
Kobakhidze’s candidacy was presented to the parliament, by the ruling party Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia (GDDG) on January 24.
The majority had four candidates for the position; however, in the end, they decided to choose Kobakhidze, saying they took into account the candidate’s professionalism and objectivity.
The opposition disapproves of Kobakhidze’s election as a constitutional court judge. They believe that new judge will carry out the government’s interests in the court.
After the Parliament supported her, Kobakhidze thanked the majority MPs for their trust.
“From now my political ties are left in the past and I will be in service of human rights,” she said.
Opposition MP Elene Khoshtaria says that the only criteria Kobakhidze meets is the political commitment to the ruling party.
A member of the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party, Roman Gotsiridze, believes that Kobakhidze is politically biased and she does not fit the position of a judge.
"A very dangerous process is underway in the country, which is called usurpation of all branches of power by one group of the people and politicians,” said Gotsiridze.
Majority member Mamuka Mdinaradze says that Kobakhidze’s nomination was the most “optimal” decision of the ruling party.
“Kobakhidze is a professional and has an extensive experience in this direction,” he added.
After being approved, Kobakhidze will hold the position of Constitutional Court Judge for 10 years.
