GD MP ‘strongly disapproves’ EU ambassador’s view on suspending of opposition MPs

The ruling Georgian Dream party MP Mamuka Mdinaradze has stated that he ‘highly respects’ EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell, but ‘strongly disapproves’ his view on the recent decision of the Georgian parliament to suspend status for three opposition MPs. 

Hartzell refused to discuss the ‘basis’ of the decision, but said that the move could harm the parliament’s inclusiveness and plurality. 

“I strongly disapprove of Hartzell despite my respect for him and his activities. The ambassador did not discuss the objective and legal  criteria which led to the decision,” Mdinaradze said. 

Lelo party leader Badri Japaridze, Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria and the Labour Party head Shalva Natelashvili are no longer MPs per the parliament’s decision. 

The ground for Japaridze’s dismissal was his recent conviction for fraud, while Khoshtaria and Natelashvili have lost their seats as they have not attended parliamentary sessions in the 10th convocation of the state legislature.