Georgian Dream Considers Criminalizing Refusal to Recognize Legitimacy of Constitutional Bodies

2026-02-04 - 13:17

Georgian Dream is considering criminalizing the refusal to recognize the legitimacy of constitutional bodies. The initiative comes amid continued questioning and denial of the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream government and the Parliament – formed after the widely disputed October 2024 parliamentary elections – by the opposition politicians, critical media, and government-critical citizens. The initiative, which has yet to be officially introduced in the disputed Parliament, was first raised by GD MP Levan Machavariani during the February 3 plenary session. He spoke about Germany, where, he said, a “certain political movement” was banned in 2025 for rejecting government legitimacy, creating “parallel governing structures,” boycotting state decisions, and obstructing police activity. Machavariani then asked Legal Affairs Committee Chair Archil Gorduladze, who was presenting planned amendments to the Law on Grants, whether Georgia should follow the German example and “consider some type of sanctions against those political groups or activists who engage in similar actions.” Gorduladze endorsed the initiative, saying the ruling party could share what he framed as “Germany’s experience” and introduce criminal liability for individuals who do not recognize the legitimacy of constitutional bodies. “When individuals publicly call on others not to recognize the legitimacy of constitutional bodies, call on others not to comply with Georgian legislation, while simultaneously promoting campaigns claiming that the government elected by the Georgian people is controlled by foreign forces, in this case, responsibility should be established, including criminal liability,” Gorduladze said, adding that the measure would serve the “legitimate aim of strengthening our country’s sovereignty.” Georgian Dream leaders Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the disputed Parliament, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze endorsed the initiative the following day while speaking separately with journalists. Papuashvili stressed that such a move, if introduced and adopted, would counter “extremism,” which he described as a global challenge, saying, “We too must consider how to regulate extremist manifestations directed against the constitutional order and system.” He cited the Reichsbürger movement in Germany, which he said rejected the legitimacy of the German state and its institutions and was banned in 2025. “There was violence in Germany, including threats against judges, police officers, and public officials,” Papuashvili said. “Do not we recall similar threats against judges, police officers, and public officials in Georgia?!” Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who is visiting Dubai, described the initiative as “very important” and “timely” while speaking with reporters, expressing hope that “the Parliament will see the adoption of this bill through to the end.” “This is necessary for our system to stabilize, for our country to stabilize, and for a very healthy democratic order to be established,” Kobakhidze said. Also Read: 03/02/2026 – Disputed Parliament Returns for Spring Session with Controversial Funding, Education Laws 03/06/2025 – Georgian Dream Targets Critical Broadcasters for Questioning Government Legitimacy