Georgian PM highlights sovereignty as core constitutional principle on Constitution Day

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday emphasised the significance of the first article of Georgia’s Constitution, dedicated to state sovereignty, reflecting the nation’s historical and ongoing challenge of safeguarding its independence during a speech marking Constitution Day.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that the first article of any country’s constitution usually reflects its primary historical challenge.

He noted that Germany’s constitution begins with the principle of human dignity due to its historical experience under fascism, while Georgia’s constitution appropriately opens with sovereignty, given the nation’s struggle to protect it.

“The first article of any country’s constitution, as a rule, reflects the country’s main challenge. For example, the first article of Germany’s Constitution is dedicated to the fundamental right to human dignity, stemming from its unique historical experience. In fascist Germany, the total violation of human dignity was a particular challenge, and based on this experience, German lawmakers in 1949 designated the fundamental right to human dignity as the first article”, the PM said.

In contrast, the PM highlighted that Georgia’s historical experience shaped its constitutional priorities.

“For seventy years leading up to the adoption of the 1995 Constitution, and even in shaping its current version, the greatest challenge for Georgia has been the violation of its sovereignty. It is therefore absolutely logical that the first article of our Constitution is dedicated to the idea and principle of state sovereignty. This remains the main challenge even today”, he noted.

Kobakhidze further underscored that this challenge remains critical today, with the Constitution serving as the cornerstone of Georgia’s independence.

“This challenge remains the main one today, and I am pleased that Georgia’s Constitution remains the main guarantor of Georgia’s state sovereignty”, he said.

Kobakhidze concluded, extending congratulations on the anniversary of the Constitution.

“We must cherish our Constitution, we must cherish our state sovereignty, and I am confident that for many years to come, and hopefully for centuries, our Constitution will stand firmly as the guardian of Georgia’s state sovereignty. I congratulate you on the anniversary of our Constitution”, the PM concluded.