The Constitutional Court of Georgia has begun to consider the possible impeachment of the country’s President Salome Zurabishvili due to her violation of the Georgian constitution due to her foreign visits without the permission of the government. Georgian TV channels are broadcasting the hearing.
The ruling party “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia” is represented by the head of the political association Irakli Kobakhidze, as well as MPs Giorgi Kakhiani, Anri Okhanashvili and Tengiz Sharmanashvili.
Zurabishvili’s interests in the court are represented by former MP Tamar Chugoshvili and former judge of the Constitutional Court Maya Kopaleishvili. The President did not attend the hearing.
Both sides called for a public hearing of the case.
The ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party announced the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Zurabishvili on September 1. The party explained this decision as the president’s violation of the fundamental law of the state. According to Georgian Dream, this is the beginning of Zurabishvili’s European tour without government permission. At the same time, the vote of not only the ruling party but also the opposition will be required for the impeachment to be implemented in parliament.
If Zurabishvili is proven to have violated Georgia’s constitutional law, parliament will vote to remove him from office. If the dismissal is supported by 100 out of 150 MPs, the politician will be removed from the presidency.
Previously in Georgia in the name Impeaching the president is a gamble.