Burjanadze Reelected as Speaker

Nino Burjanadze, one of the leaders of the ruling National Movement-Democrats party, was re-elected as Chairperson of the Georgian Parliament on April 22 with 159 votes to 1.

Nino Burjanadze was the only contender for this position. She held the post in the previous Parliament since 2001.

“This Parliament is ready to endorse proposals and decision, which will improve Georgians’ living standards. We have a unique chance to create the European-style state and become full members of the European community. This is a huge responsibility and task,” Nino Burjanadze said, while addressing legislators. 

In her speech Nino Burjanadze recalled Georgia’s Rose Revolution and thanked Georgian people for changes that took place after last November’s peaceful transition of power in Georgia. “We should not disappoint expectations of those people who staged revolution of roses,” she added.

Nino Burjanadze emphasized importance of system of checks and balances. “We should secure creation of strong Parliament and executive government, as well as absolutely independent judicial system,” the Parliament Chairperson said.

“This Parliament will not turn a blind eye towards the government’s mistakes,” Nino Burjanadze said.

She said that the legislative body will remain “extremely watchful” who the laws passed by the Parliament are implemented by the executive government.