MPs Unable to Discuss Draft Budget, as Pro-Presidential Factions Boycott

(Tbilisi, December 20, 2002. Civil Georgia) – Parliament cannot launch discussion of the 2003 draft budget because of the absence of quorum today.

Pro-Presidential factions staged a walk-out on December 19 because the MPs refused to discuss the President’s proposal on restructuring of the ministries.

Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze criticized the Pro-Presidential factions for boycotting the session, saying that they try to “blackmail the Parliament.”

Today is the last working day for the Parliament this year. According to the schedule Parliament is to discuss up to 30 issues, together with the draft budget, but because of the absence of quorum none of the issues would be discussed.

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