Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze commented on the statement of Archil Gorduladze, Chairman of the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, that “with Parliament’s approval, criminal liability may be imposed on a person who does not recognize the legitimacy of constitutional bodies and publicly calls for similar actions.” Kobakhidze called it a timely and important initiative.

“The constitutional order must be respected. If there are problems in this regard, of course, the law should regulate them. I consider this a very important and timely initiative,” Kobakhidze said.

He emphasized that the state cannot develop peacefully if it is constantly in a sabotage mode.

According to the Prime Minister, all recognize the constitutional bodies in practice, but “there are constant contrary messages meant to prevent this country from fully calming down.”

“Generally, the constitutional order must be upheld. This is the starting point for any rule-of-law state. Democracy must be recognized by all. Constitutional principles and order must be recognized by all. If there are problems in this regard, of course, the law must regulate them. Therefore, I consider this a very important and timely initiative. I hope Parliament will carry this bill through to completion.

Of course, the boundary must be maintained, which requires legal assessment. From my legal perspective, the boundary here is adequately protected. There is freedom of expression, and there is the stability of the constitutional order, which is one of the supreme interests. Naturally, the state cannot develop peacefully if it is constantly in such a sabotage mode. Therefore, everyone must respect the order that has been established. At the same time, we see that these constitutional bodies are recognized in practice by everyone; it is only that constant contrary messages are being sent to try to prevent the country from fully calming down. Naturally, there is a conflicting interest. Our society primarily has a conflicting interest in stabilizing this country. Everyone must respect our democratic system, our constitutional order. This principle underlies the bill that has been initiated,” Kobakhidze stated.