Constitutional Changes Approved

Parliament approved with second and third hearing constitutional changes on February 6.

Opponents say that the amendments alter Georgia’s political power arrangement in favor of President Saakashvili and State Minister Zurab Zhvania, who is most likely to become the Prime Minister – the position, which is introduced by the amendments.

Critics also say that the President’s power will be increased at the expense of the legislative body, which might be dissolved by the President in case it fails to approve the state budget after three attempts.

President Saakashvili said that the quick constitutional changes were needed to form the new cabinet as soon as possible “in order to overcome the current crisis in the country.”

He also said that the cabinet will be composed by “the young, professional, energetic and good looking persons, with the women among them.”

Saakashvili added that his aim is “to create a European model of government.”