Georgian PM accuses political and foreign forces of undermining Constitutional Court independence

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused domestic political opponents and foreign powers of attempting to interfere in the country’s Constitutional Court, warning that protecting its independence remains one of the institution’s biggest challenges.

Speaking at an international conference marking the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s Constitutional Court on Thursday, Kobakhidze alleged that the same political forces responsible for undermining the court’s independence under a previous authoritarian government were behind more recent attempts to exert influence over it.

He also accused unnamed foreign powers of having supported the “previous regime’s interference in the judiciary.”

Kobakhidze also said the court was facing political pressure both inside and outside Georgia, including “inappropriate interventions” by foreign diplomats.

“We frequently hear blunt political statements about cases within the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court, both inside and outside the country,” he said.

He further alleged that certain ambassadors had sought explanations from the court about ongoing cases, describing such approaches as a “serious violation” of the Vienna Convention and an “attempt to exert pressure” on the judiciary.

Much of the PM’s speech focused on the Constitutional Court’s “troubled history” during the second decade of its existence.

Kobakhidze said the period coincided with the emergence of an authoritarian system in Georgia, which he accused of weakening constitutional institutions and undermining the separation of powers.

He cited two constitutional amendments which, according to him, were made to accommodate the appointment and re-election of a particular Constitutional Court judge.

“One particular individual's circumstances led to the Constitution being amended twice,” he said, referring to changes concerning the judge's eligibility based on age and the possibility of serving a second term as court chairman.

Kobakhidze also pointed to the court's record between 2007 and 2012, saying it issued an average of just four rulings a year during that period.

He argued that the court continued to bear the legacy of political interference between 2013 and 2016, alleging that some judges appointed under the previous administration continued to act in accordance with political instructions.

He also highlighted constitutional reforms introduced in 2017 and 2018, arguing that they strengthened human rights protections, improved the system of checks and balances and enhanced the court's role within Georgia's political system.

The PM praised the court's judges and administrative staff, describing the institution as a key guarantor of the Constitution and human rights.

He pledged that his government would continue working to safeguard the court's independence and ensure its effective operation.

“The government of Georgia is committed, and will remain firmly committed, to protecting the independence of the Constitutional Court and ensuring its effective functioning,” he said.