Ruling party MP defends legislative changes as ‘security measure,’ calls education reform ‘historic’

Irakli Kirtskhalia, leader of Georgia’s parliamentary majority, on Monday said that any new legislative initiative served only one purpose - ensuring the country’s security and protecting its national interests, commenting on proposed legal amendments that would introduce criminal liability for refusing to recognize constitutional bodies as legitimate.

Kirtskhalia said that the entire world faced the threat of external interference, stressing that the proposed changes were aimed at countering extremism.

“This law is directed against extremism, which was clearly financed here and supported at a high level in Brussels. With all due respect, we cannot allow any group or paid organization to carry out actions against the constitutional order,” Kirtskhalia said.

He claimed the legislation targeted “systematic actions and real crimes,” not symbolic protests or performances.

Separately, commenting on education reform, Kirtskhalia described the introduction of free education at state universities as an unprecedented and historic decision.

“This is truly an unprecedented and historic reform - a historic decision that introduces free education at state universities,” he told the media.

Responding to questions about criticism surrounding the reform, Kirtskhalia said that differences of opinion were a natural and democratic process, particularly when it came to large-scale reforms in education.

“Any reform, especially one of this scale in the education sector, naturally generates differing opinions. It is welcome and necessary to listen to all groups and all viewpoints,” he said.

Kirtskhalia noted that a series of consultations have already taken place, including meetings involving deputy ministers, the parliamentary education committee, the education minister, and the prime minister. He said these discussions would continue.

He stressed that the government’s priority was providing effective education for young people, adding that the authorities remain open to dialogue.

“The government is ready for any dialogue after clearly defining the main priority - first and foremost, effective education for our youth. That dialogue is already underway. The prime minister is meeting with stakeholders, listening to all opinions, and sharing positions that were not formed overnight. This reform has been thoroughly developed, and everyone will receive reasoned and substantiated answers,” Kirtskhalia said.