Georgian-German Relations: Partnership Review

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Georgian Institute of Politics “Georgian-German relations: Partnership Review” Presentation of the Report Date: July 18, 2019 Venue: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, I Building, 107 Auditorium Chavchavadze ave. 1 After signing the Association Agreement Georgia has reiterated its commitment to follow the European way, pushing forward with the reforms necessary for closer integration with the EU and expanding functional integration. However, while Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration continues at political level, on the societal level we can witness an increasingly visible fatigue with certain European values, such as open society and democracy, reinforced with the effects of Russia’s propaganda. One of the major weaknesses of the current Europeanization process is the gap between Georgian society and the rest of the EU, which exists because of lacking common experiences, participation in common public debates. The Georgian public often perceives Germany as a sceptical and hesitant partner concerning Georgia’s European aspirations. For instance, the delay in granting visa-free travel to Georgian citizens was partly based on German concerns. Angela Merkel’s visit to the South Caucasus in August 2018 raised hopes in Georgia for an increased interest and support from the German side towards Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, but these expectations were largely disappointed. At the same time, Germany was the first country of the then European Community to recognise Georgia’s independence and is Georgia’s largest bilateral partner in development cooperation. Furthermore, the German government supported the creation of the Eastern Partnership in 2009 and strongly advocated the signing of the Association Agreement with Georgia. The event will highlight the particular role of Germany for Georgia’s European aspirations as well as possible ways to align mutual expectations. 1 AGENDA 09:30 – 10:00 Registration with coffee 10:00 – 10:20 Welcome Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia (TBC) Giorgi Sharvashidze, Rector, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 10:20 – 10:45 Paper presentation: Dr. Kornely Kakachia, Director, Georgian Institute of Politics Viktoria Palm, Research Associate, Institut für Europäische Politik 10:45 – 12:30 Panel discussion: Moderator: Dr. Stefan Meister, Director, South Caucasus Office, Boell Foundation Speakers: H.E. Hubert Knirsch, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Georgia Sophia Katsarava, Chairperson, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Parliament of Georgia Dr. Sascha Ternes, CEO, German business Association David Usupashvili, Chairperson, “Development Movement” Q&A 12:30 Lunch reception The event is organized in the framework of the program “Europeanization beyond Process”, funded by the Open Society Initiative for Europe. 2 .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

EXPERT POLLS Issue #8
October 2018 Georgian Institute of Politics EXPERT POLLS Issue #8 Zurabishvili is in the lead but is unlikely to win the first round, according to experts The candidate endorsed by the Georgian Dream (GD), Salome Zurabishvili, remains the strongest contender in the October 28 presidential election, but she will not win in the first round, according to the latest poll of engaged observers and experts. The expert survey, conducted by the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP) in early October, is based on the opinions of 40 international and Georgian political observers and experts, whose input was collected through various channels. In sum, these estimates can be viewed as a “corridor of expectations” for the outcome of the upcoming presidential elections. Poll results: “Corridor of Expectations” Salome Zurabishvili / Georgian Dream 31-45 % Grigol Vashadze / United National Movement 20-31 % David Bakradze / European Georgia 12-20 % David Usupashvili / Development Movement 3-9 % Zurab Japaridze / Girchi 2-7 % 1 | WWW.GIP.GE Figure 1: Corridor of expectations (in percent) Who is going to win the presidential election? According to surveyed experts (figure 1), Salome Zurabishvili, who is endorsed by the governing Georgian Dream party, is poised to receive the most votes in the upcoming presidential elections. It is likely, however, that she will not receive enough votes to win the elections in the first round. According to the survey, Zurabishvili’s vote share in the first round of the elections will be between 31-45%. She will be followed by the United National Movement (UNM) candidate, Grigol Vashadze, who is expected to receive between 20-31% of votes.
[Show full text]
Letter of Concern of April 2015
7 April 2015 Mr Giorgi Margvelashvili President of Georgia Abdushelishvili st. 1, Tbilisi, Georgia1 Mr Irakli Garibashvili Prime Minister of Georgia 7 Ingorokva St, Tbilisi 0114, Georgia2 Mr David Usupashvili Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia 26, Abashidze Street, Kutaisi, 4600 Georgia Email: [email protected] Political leaders in Georgia must stop slandering human rights NGOs Mr President, Mr Prime Minister, Mr Chairperson, We, the undersigned members and partners of the Human Rights House Network and the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders, call upon political leaders in Georgia to stop slandering non-governmental organisations with unfounded accusations and suggestions that their work would harm the country. Since October 2013, public verbal attacks against human rights organisations by leading political figures in Georgia have increased. The situation is starting to resemble to an anti-civil society campaign. In October 2013, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Resources of Georgia, Kakhi Kaladze, criticised the non-governmental organisations, which opposed the construction of a hydroelectric power plant and used derogatory terms to express his discontent over their protest.3 In May 2014, you, Mr Prime Minister, slammed NGOs participating in the campaign about privacy rights, “This Affects You,”4 and stated that they “undermine” the functioning of the State and “damage of the international reputation of the country.”5 Such terms do not value disagreement with NGOs and their participation in public debate, but rather delegitimised their work. Further more, the Prime Minister’s statement encouraged other politicians to make critical statements about CSOs and start activities against them.
[Show full text]
David Usupashvili
David Usupashvili Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia David Usupashvili was elected as Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia on October 21, 2012. He has been Chairman of the Republican Party of Georgia (ALDE and LI member party) since 2005 and Deputy Chairman of the Political Coalition “Georgian Dream” since October 2011. David Usupashvili was born in Signagi, Georgia, on March 5, 1968. He graduated from Magaro Secondary School and continued education at IvaneJavakhishvili Tbilisi State University, where he obtained Diploma of Honours in Law (1985 - 1992). He received Master’s Degree in International Development Policy from Duke University, Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy, USA (1997 - 1999). From 1999 to 2005 he worked for an USAID funded Rule of Law program, as Deputy Chief of Party and Senior Legal and Policy Advisor. During 2000 – 2001,David Usupashvili worked as an Executive Secretary for Anti-Corruption Working Group under President of Georgia. David Usupashvili was a founder of one of the first Georgian NGOs, Georgian Young Lawyers Associationthat promoted and largely contributed to democratization processes in Georgia. As a first Chairman he coordinated implementation of major rule of law programs (1994 - 1997). From 1992 to 1994 he worked for the President of Georgia as Senior Legal Adviser and Special Envoy of the President to Parliament and Constitutional Commission of Georgia. From 1989 to 1995 he served at the Central Election Commission of Georgia, as Chief Legal Consultant, Head of Legal Department and Member. David Usupashvili was a member of various boards of the leading Georgian NGOs such as GYLA, OSGF, TI, ISFED, ect.
[Show full text]
Public Opinion Survey Residents of Georgia
Public Opinion Survey Residents of Georgia May 20 – June 11, 2019 Detailed Methodology • The field work was carried out by Institute of Polling & Marketing. The survey was conducted by Dr. Rasa Alisauskiene of the public and market research company Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization on behalf of the International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in Survey Research. • Data was collected throughout Georgia between May 20 and June 11, 2019, through face-to-face interviews at respondents’ home. • The sample consisted of 1,500 permanent residents of Georgia aged 18 or older and eligible to vote. It is representative of the general population by age, gender, region and size of the settlement. • A multistage probability sampling method was used with random route and next-birthday respondent selection procedures. • Stage one: All districts of Georgia are grouped into 10 regions. All regions of Georgia were surveyed (Tbilisi city – as separate region). • Stage two: Selection of the settlements – cities and villages. • Settlements were selected at random. The number of selected settlements in each region was proportional to the share of population living in a particular type of the settlement in each region. • Stage three: Primary sampling units were described. • The margin of error does not exceed plus, or minus 2.5 percent and the response rate was 68 percent. • The achieved sample is weighted for regions, gender, age, and urbanity. • Charts and graphs may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding. • The survey was funded by the
[Show full text]
Download [Pdf]
This project is co-funded by the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development of the European Union EU Grant Agreement number: 290529 Project acronym: ANTICORRP Project title: Anti-Corruption Policies Revisited Work Package: WP3, Corruption and governance improvement in global and continental perspectives Title of deliverable: D3.2.7. Background paper on Georgia Due date of deliverable: 28 February 2014 Actual submission date: 28 February 2014 Author: Andrew Wilson Editor: Alina Mungiu-Pippidi Organization name of lead beneficiary for this deliverable: Hertie School of Governance Project co-funded by the European Commission within the Seventh Framework Programme Dissemination Level PU Public X PP Restricted to other programme participants (including the Commission Services) RE Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (including the Commission Services) Co Confidential, only for members of the consortium (including the Commission Services) Georgia Background Report Andrew Wilson University College London January 2014 ABSTRACT Georgia had a terrible reputation for corruption, both in Soviet times and under the presidency of Eduard Shevardnadze (1992-2003). After the ‘Rose Revolution’ that led to Shevardnadze’s early resignation, many proclaimed that the government of new President Mikheil Saakashvili was a success story because of its apparent rapid progress in fighting corruption and promoting neo-liberal market reforms. His critics, however, saw only a façade of reform and a heavy hand in other areas, even before the war with Russia in 2008. Saakashvili’s second term (2008-13) was much more controversial – his supporters saw continued reform under difficult circumstances, his opponents only the consolidation of power. Under Saakashvili Georgia does indeed deserve credit for its innovative reforms that were highly successful in reducing ‘low-level’ corruption.
[Show full text]
To: Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia Mr. Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia Mr
To: Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili, President of Georgia Mr. Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia Mr. David Usupashvili , Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Your Excellency Mr. President, Mr. Prime-Minister, Mr. Chairman of the Parliament, As you are aware, the Constitutional Court of Georgia is the highest judicial body of the constitutional review. Thus, the reputation of its judges, their impartiality as well as the insurance of their independent activity are the key factors of building the confidence towards the court and the precondition of its effective functioning. Let me inform you that last period unlawful conducts have taken place against the Constitutional Court of Georgia and its members, jeopardizing the Court's independent, uninterrupted activity. Such unlawful activities have recently acquired even more organized, coordinated and permanent character. On 11 April 2014, a rally was held in front of the Constitutional Court, whilst the demonstrators made threatening statements related to the activity of the Court. The demonstrators, by using threats, were demanding the Court to make a preferred judgment1 during which the property of the Court was damaged. The incident was condemned by the representatives of the civil society2. However, the law enforcement authorities did not respond in any way. We are also concerned about the statements regarding threats of revenge made on 6 April 2015 towards the President of the Constitutional Court and his family members in front of the Constitutional Court of Georgia3 building by the participants of the assemblage. In connection with the aforementioned, on 7 April 2015 the Constitutional Court made a written appeal to the Chief Prosecutor of Georgia, Mr.
[Show full text]
Change of Government in Georgia. New Emphases in Domestic And
Introduction Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik ments German Institute for International and Security Affairs m Co Change of Government in Georgia WP New Emphases in Domestic and Foreign Policy Sabine Fischer and Uwe Halbach S In autumn 2012, Georgia underwent a development that is already being described as historical. Following an emotional and at times hostile election contest, the Georgian parliamentary elections on 1 October led to a change of government, which the country is hailing as proof of its democratic maturity. President Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement party, which had been in power for the last nine years and held a two-thirds majority in the last parliament, suffered a clear defeat against a coalition of six opposition parties, none of whom had been represented in the previous parliament. Saakashvili will remain in office until 2013. What course will the new coalition govern- ment under Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili now set in domestic and foreign policy? Will the incumbent president, who is endowed with a wide range of powers, and the new government be able to work together in the run-up to the 2013 presidential elec- tions or will they become entrenched in bitter rivalry? If the opposing political camps led by change that has not been brought about by President Saakashvili and Prime Minister a coup d’etat. Ivanishvili succeed in working together Before the elections, voices warning of a peacefully up until the presidential elec- polarisation of society were getting louder tions (due to be held in October 2013), this both in Georgia and abroad. The country’s change of government could justifiably be highest moral authority, the head of the considered exceptional.
[Show full text]
MFA Zalkaliani at the NATO Summit 2019 POLITICS PAGE 6 “In Honorem” of Phd
Issue no: 1209 • DECEMBER 6 - 9, 2019 • PUBLISHED TWICE WEEKLY PRICE: GEL 2.50 In this week’s issue... ICC: Georgia-Russia War Investigation May Conclude in 2020 NEWS PAGE 3 Georgian Politicians Slam Nino Burjanadze for Visiting Moscow POLITICS PAGE 4 Former President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan Charged with Corruption POLITICS PAGE 4 US State Department Offi cials, Senators Make Supportive Statements on Image source: archive.gov.ge/ Georgia ON REDJEB JORDANIA The son of the fi rst Georgian FOCUS President nears his centenary year PAGE 11 "Keep Georgia on Your Mind": MFA Zalkaliani at the NATO Summit 2019 POLITICS PAGE 6 “In Honorem” of PhD. BY NINI DAKHUNDARIDZE Professor & Academician Roin Metreveli he United Kingdom hosted NATO 7 Heads of State and Government in SOCIETY PAGE London on 3-4 December. David Zalkaliani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, made a speech Cold Storage: Etseri, Svaneti Tduring a session dedicated to safety in the ter- SOCIETY PAGE 8 ritories of the Baltic and Black seas. While highlighting the importance and chal- lenges to stability in the Black Sea region, Zal- Zaza Burchuladze Receives kaliani underlined Russia’s destructive policies and the outcomes of occupation, spotlighting Berlin City Scholarship for the Vazha Gaprindashvili case as a “humanitar- ian catastrophe.” Literary Merit “The human rights and security situation on the ground remains extremely diffi cult. People are CULTURE PAGE 9 being persecuted and illegally detained. Renowned Georgian doctor Vazha Gaprindashvili remains in illegal custody. We have already consolidated the Image source: MFA Georgia international community over this fact and con- integration with NATO is aimed at ensuring the ful aspirant country with all practical instru- Special Offer for readers tinue to do so.
[Show full text]
Le Président the President
Le Président The President President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, Administration of the President of Georgia, 1 M. Abdushelishvili Street, Tbilisi 0103, Georgia Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili Government of Georgia 7 Ingorokva St Tbilisi 0114, Georgia Chairman of the Georgian Parliament, David Usupashvili Parliament of Georgia, 26 Abashidze str., Kutaisi 4600, Georgia Brussels, 18 February 2014 Your Excellencies, Dear Mr. Chairman, I am writing to you on behalf of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) which represents the bars and law societies of 32 member countries and 12 further associate and observer countries, and through them more than 1 million European lawyers. Since its establishment in 1960, the CCBE has been in the forefront of advancing the views of European lawyers, protecting the rights of citizens and defending the legal principles upon which democracy and the rule of law are based. The Georgian Bar Association, which is an observer member of the CCBE, has drawn our attention to recent cases of intimidation of lawyers in Georgia. Particularly, the CCBE was informed that lawyer Romeo Sajaia has been verbally and physically abused by the prosecutor, when the lawyer came to the Prosecutor’s Office for a procedural action. Lawyer Nona Kirtadze, who came to the District Court of Gori to defend her client’s interests, was verbally abused in the premises of the court by an official of the Revenue Service, who tried to abuse Conseil des barreaux européens – Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe association internationale sans but lucratif Rue Joseph II, 40/8 – B 1000 Brussels – Belgium – Tel.+32 (0)2 234 65 10 – Fax.+32 (0)2 234 65 11 – E-mail [email protected] – www.ccbe.eu her physically, but was stopped by other visitors and a court guard.
[Show full text]
The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Order #195/3 “On Creation
The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Kutaisi 4600, Abashidze Street #26, Parliament of Georgia Order #195/3 30.12.2015 “On Creation of the Permanent Parliamentary Council on Open and Transparent Governance” According to articles 107 (“11”, “23” and “33.6”1) and 2831 of the Parliament’s Rules of Procedure and article 61 (1st and 3rd sections) of the General Administrative Code of Georgia: 1. To ensure the Parliamentary Openness, and coordinative and effective functioning of the Parliament, the established Permanent Parliamentary Council on Open and Transparent Governance comprises: a) David Usupashvili – Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia; b) Anzor Bolkvadze – Faction “Independent Majoritarians – for Powerful Regions” – Secretary of the Faction; c) Giorgi Gachechiladze – Independent Member of the Parliament of Georgia; d) Khatuna Gogorishvili – Faction “The United National Movement”; e) Nino Goguadze - Faction “Free Democrats” – Deputy Chairperson of the Faction; f) Temur Maisuradze – Faction “The Georgian Dream – National Forum” – Deputy Chairperson of the Faction; g) Guguli Maghradze – Faction “The Georgian Dream”; h) Merab Kachakhidze – Faction “The Georgian Dream – Conservatives” – Deputy Chairperson of the Faction; i) Giorgi Kakhiani - Faction “The Georgian Dream – Entrepreneurs”; j) Tamar Kordzaia - Faction “The Georgian Dream – Republicans” – Deputy Chairperson of the Faction; k) Vakhtangi Lemonjava – Faction “The National Movement – Regions”; l) Davit Chavchanidze – Faction “The National Movement Majoritarians”; m) Sergo Khabuliani – Faction “Non-party, Independent Majoritarians”. 2. The #19/3 Order of the Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia “On Creation the Inter- Factional Group to ensure the Involvement of the Parliament of Georgia in “Open Government Partnership Initiative (OGP)” adopted on February 12, 2015, is abolished.
[Show full text]
The Political Landscape of Georgia
The Political Landscape of Georgia The Political Landscape of Georgia Political Parties: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects Ghia Nodia Álvaro Pinto Scholtbach Coordinators - Editors Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Eburon Delft 2006 ISBN10: 90 5972 113 6 ISBN13: 978 90 5972 113 5 Eburon Academic Publishers P.O. Box 2867 2601 CW Delft The Netherlands tel.: +31 15 2131484 / fax: +31 15 2146888 [email protected] / www.eburon.nl © 2006 IMD, ODIHR, CIPDD. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing from the proprietor. This publication was published with the support of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The opinions and information it contains do not necessarily reflect the policy and position of the ODIHR. Contents Foreword by Vladimir Shkolnikov and Jos van Kemenade i Map of the South Caucasus iv Introduction by Ghia Nodia and Álvaro Pinto Scholtbach 1 1. Democratic Transitions and Political Institutions 5 1.1 Georgia’s New State and Democratic Transitions 7 1.2 Putting Georgia on the Map: 33 The International Dimension and Impact 1.3 Parties and the State 43 1.4 Society and Citizenship 61 2. The Institutional Development of Political Parties 85 2.1 Introduction: Origin and Functions of Political Parties 89 2.2 The Georgian Political Party System 101 2.3 Party Identities and Policy Development 119 2.4 Human and Financial Resources 135 2.5 Internal Democracy and Membership 153 2.6 Women and Politics 171 2.7 Parties, Elections and Campaigning 181 2.8 International Support for Political Parties 195 3.
[Show full text]
Georgia's New Government
Russia and Eurasia Summary Georgia’s New Government: The Record So Far and Challenges Ahead Davit Usupashvili Speaker, Parliament of Georgia 20 June 2013 The views expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of Chatham House, its staff, associates or Council. Chatham House is independent and owes no allegiance to any government or to any political body. It does not take institutional positions on policy issues. This document is issued on the understanding that if any extract is used, the author(s)/ speaker(s) and Chatham House should be credited, preferably with the date of the publication or details of the event. Where this document refers to or reports statements made by speakers at an event every effort has been made to provide a fair representation of their views and opinions, but the ultimate responsibility for accuracy lies with this document’s author(s). The published text of speeches and presentations may differ from delivery. Georgia’s New Government: The Record So Far and Challenges Ahead This is a summary of an event held at Chatham House on 20 June 2013, in which the David Usupashvili, the speaker of the parliament of Georgia, discussed the country’s new government. When the Georgian Dream coalition won a majority of seats in the October 2012 parliamentary elections, few within Georgia – in contrast to observers in the West – were surprised. This was because the image of Georgian politics presented in the West was better than the reality. During the election campaign, which lasted one year, there was a broad abuse of administrative resources by the government of Mikheil Saakashvili.
[Show full text]