Tamar Chugoshvili: preliminary opinions of Venice Commission comply with our expectations

The First Vice-Speaker, Tamar Chugoshvili stated that the preliminary opinions of Venice Commission regarding the draft Constitution comply with the expectations of the ruling party.  

“The preliminary opinions do not mean the final conclusion. Preliminary opinions fully comply with our expectations. It is the opinion we expected deriving from the meetings with the experts”.

One of the recommendations envisages establishment of upper limit for bonus system which the ruling party seriously considers. As to the Presidential election and authorities, no changes will be adopted. There are opinions about appointment of the judges of the Supreme Court.

“Remarks and recommendations are acceptable. The recommendations emphasize the electoral system. As you know, one of the recommendations envisages upper limit for the bonus system and we consider it and offer the respective change. As to the Presidential election and authorities, no particular remarks have been expressed. Venice Commission approves indirect elections. There are some opinions about appointment of the judges of the Supreme Court and probationary period. We discuss these issues and plan to consider Venice Commission remarks”.

She responded to the statement by the Parliamentary Secretary of the President, Ana Dolidze that blaming the President of disclosure of preliminary opinion is an attempt to cover the context of the opinion. “The context is exactly what we expected so we have nothing to cover”, - she responded.