Georgia declares Saakashvili’s party unconstitutional MPs to lose mandates

Georgia’s Constitutional Court has declared the opposition United National Movement (UNM), founded by former President Mikheil Saakashvili, unconstitutional.

Following this decision, members of the party will forfeit their parliamentary mandates, as announced by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

In a press briefing, Kobakhidze explained that according to Georgian constitutional law, only the Constitutional Court has the authority to annul parliamentary mandates. He described the cancellation of these mandates as a "logical continuation" of the decision to ban the UNM party, citing concerns over the party's alleged criminal activities.

“It is unacceptable for representatives of a criminal party to hold the status of members of the Georgian parliament,” Kobakhidze stated.

He further noted that recognizing Saakashvili’s party as unconstitutional is crucial for advancing political reform and improving governance in the country.