‘Georgia’s 1921 Constitution firmly placed the country within the wider European family’: EU statement on 100th anniversary of Georgia’s first Constitution

The 1921 Constitution was a remarkable achievement, enshrining a proud legal tradition in support of a progressive and modern Georgian state. Most of all, it demonstrated the high democratic aspirations of the Georgian people, said a statement issued by the European Union Delegation to Georgia on 21 February together with the EU Heads of Missions on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Georgia’s first Constitution.

“Georgia’s first Constitution firmly placed this country within the wider European family of values, cherishing the principles of democratic governance, the respect for human rights, the upholding of the rule of law and the defence of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and printed media,” the statement said.

The EU Delegation to Georgia reminds that this Constitution, in many respects, was ahead of its time. It introduced universal suffrage for a proportional system of elections to be enjoyed by men and women equally, abolished capital punishment and provided for political asylum and the protection of national minorities. It also codified socio-economic rights and a strict framework for the conduct of justice.

“This commitment to a progressive democracy has set important benchmarks for the modern Georgian state – benchmarks that remain highly relevant to this day,” the statement said. “Georgia’s ambition to build a thriving, inclusive, pluralistic democracy is anchored in this historical Constitution.”

The EU Delegation and the EU Heads of Mission reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Georgia on its path towards a strong democracy.

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