Vetting may hold significance for judicial reform and the autonomy of justice, but it’s crucial to realize that vetting alone will not be sufficient to improve the judiciary without fundamental reforms, stated Ana Tsitlidze, a member of the opposition United National Movement party.

Tsitlidze emphasized the judiciary should be unrestricted and independent. She expressed concerns over the politicization of the judiciary, emphasizing that the judiciary’s independence and freedom face significant challenges from political interference.

“The government’s primary objective should be to fulfil one of the 9-point commitments, the freedom and independence of the courts, and to carry out reforms in this system, to break through the 30-year vicious tradition of the judiciary’s politicization. Instead, we see that the four corrupt and sanctioned judges are being shielded by Ivanishvili’s government, protecting them at all costs,” she stated.

Regarding the opposition of some judges to the vetting system, Tsitlidze suggested that their resistance indicates a fear of accountability. She argued that honest judges should not be afraid of vetting, implying that those who oppose it may have something to hide.