Opposition meets TI Georgia to address parliamentary oversight over domestic security

In a joint initiative led by the parliamentary political group Lelo – Partnership for Georgia, opposition MPs on Friday engaged in dialogue with representatives from Transparency International – Georgia to address issues related to bolstering parliamentary control over the security sector.

 

The focal point of the discussion centered on recommendations presented by Transparency International – Georgia aimed at amending the parliament’s regulations concerning enhanced oversight of the security sector.

 

Levan Bezhashvili, the First Deputy Chairman of the United National Movement faction within the united opposition coalition Strength in Unity, emphasised the importance of implementing mechanisms to fortify civil control over the country’s security sector.

 

He stressed “Article 5 of the existing 9-point plan, pertaining to [Georgia’s EU] candidate status, underscores the need to strengthen civil and public control over the security sector. This issue is highly relevant, and we are drawing upon the best European practices found in various European countries. The proposed initiative suggests, among other things, the separation of competences within the Defense and Security Committee, potentially establishing a distinct committee specifically dedicated to security matters. Alternatively, it advocates for augmenting the powers of the trust group to enable the civil sector to wield specific oversight mechanisms, ensuring transparency within the security system, notably the State Security Service.”

 

Acknowledging the significance of these proposed changes, Bezhashvili expressed the commitment of the opposition to collaborate with non-governmental organizations.