“Today, we mark Constitution Day. Today, we are honoured to celebrate the adoption of the Constitution of an independent, free, and sovereign nation,” – declared the Speaker of the Parliament, H.E. Shalva Papuashvili, addressing the attendees at the ceremony held in the Presidential Palace, which was dedicated to Constitution Day.
As per the Speaker’s account, August 24, 1995, marked the pivotal moment when the century-long endeavour to establish the statehood concluded, heralding the birth of a new Republic. The Constitution was drafted, which should serve as the foundation for a free life for future generations.
The adoption of the Constitution marks a transformative epoch in the annals of any nation. It serves as a symbolic beacon, signifying the attainment of independence, sovereignty, freedom, maturity, and a sense of responsibility.
Three decades have elapsed since the Parliament, convened in the temporary hall, with 159 votes against 8, adopted the Constitution of Georgia in the former edifice of Marxism–Leninism located on Rustaveli Avenue. Naturally, the adversaries could not tolerate the rebirth of the statehood. Consequently, a few days after the Constitution’s adoption, just before the signature ceremony, an explosion in the IMELI building caused deafening noise in the surrounding area. On that fateful day, three decades ago, providence averted a new wave of engulfing chaos from Georgia. This explosion marked the conclusion of the Soviet and post-Soviet eras, ending domestic unrest, civil war, and anarchy. Since that day, the defeated, impoverished, divided, conflicted, and exhausted nation mobilised all its resources and embarked on the construction of a new state. The adoption of the Constitution marked a pivotal moment, serving as the cornerstone upon which a new Republic was constructed. In the autumn of that year, in accordance with the newly enacted Constitution, fresh elections were held. We introduced the national currency, the Lari, elected the President, commenced the construction of institutions, embarked on a protracted and intricate journey of development, and entered into a complex and multifaceted relationship with the international community. Despite the most severe processes implemented in Georgia following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, despite the confrontations and conflicts, the inaugural President of the newly established Republic of Georgia, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, has left an indelible mark in history as the restorer and the declarer of independence. History will also place Eduard Shevardnadze in his rightful position for his significant contribution to the adoption of the Constitution and the development of state institutions. The concept and aspiration for independence necessitated the material realisation, the establishment of the system, and its viability. During the most challenging period, Eduard Shevardnadze effectively managed this intricate undertaking. For 30 years, the Constitution of Georgia has been through numerous modifications and amendments, experiencing the rough interferences as well. Consequently, the Constitutional reform of 2017 held significant importance, as it aimed to harmonise, enhance, and clarify the Constitution. The revised text effectively conveys the state’s relief and human-centric approach. The Constitution has been transformed into the fundamental document that expresses the national interests and determines the state administration, its principles, framework, and order. Georgia has been transformed into a country of law and order, with the Constitution playing a pivotal role in this transformation.
The President of Georgia, Mr. Mikheil Kavelashvili and the Prime Minister, Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated the country on the day of the supreme law – the Constitution.
The ceremony was attended by the members of the Parliament and Government, and the representatives of the Constitutional bodies and the Patriarchy of Georgia, as well as the Chairman of the City Assembly and the constitutionalists.