“The 2017 constitutional reform was particularly significant, serving the purpose of correcting, harmonizing, refining, and perfecting the Constitution. The text was clarified, unified, and completed, reflecting the spirit of the state and making it truly people-oriented,” said the Georgian Parliament Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, in his speech at the event dedicated to the Constitution of Georgia.

He described the Constitution as a fundamental document that expresses Georgia’s national interests and determines the governance, principles, frameworks, and order of the state.

“Today is a momentous day for Georgia, as we have the honour of celebrating together the adoption of the Constitution of our independent, free, and sovereign state. It symbolises independence, sovereignty, freedom, maturity, and the ability to take responsibility for oneself. Exactly three decades have passed since the Constitution of Georgia was adopted by 159 votes to 8 in the temporary hall of Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, in the former building of the Institute of Marxism-Leninism. Naturally, the enemies of Georgia and its statehood could not accept the rebirth of the country. Just days after the adoption of the Constitution, on August 29, during the planned signing ceremony, an explosion occurred in the ‘Imeli’ courtyard. On that day, 30 years ago, the government successfully safeguarded independent Georgia from further chaos. This event marked the definitive end of the Soviet and post-Soviet periods in Georgia, bringing an end to internal disorder, civil war, and anarchy. From that moment, the defeated, devastated, and war-torn country gathered its strength and began building a new state. The adoption of the Constitution became the cornerstone of the new republic,” said Papuashvili.

The Speaker also highlighted the roles of the country’s first two presidents.

“Despite the hardships, President Zviad Gamsakhurdia is remembered as the restorer of Georgia’s independence. History will also recognize President Eduard Shevardnadze for his contributions to adopting the Constitution and establishing state institutions during a difficult period,” he said.

Papuashvili concluded by reaffirming the significance of the Constitution today.

“Over 30 years, it has undergone many amendments and withstood various challenges. The 2017 reform was particularly important, making the Constitution people-oriented and a true expression of Georgia’s national interests,” he said.