The changes introduced in the Constitution of Abkhazia provide for the abolition of the Cabinet of Ministers, which is a collegial body formed by the president. This change will lead to the abolition of the positions of prime minister and deputy prime ministers. The head of the State and Legal Policy Committee of the People’s Assembly of the Republic, Daut Jutaba, spoke about this.
At the committee meeting on November 11, the draft constitutional law prepared by the presidential administration on an amendment to the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia “On legislative and executive power” was considered. The committee members decided to present the project to the next parliamentary session for approval in first reading.
As Khutaba explained, the goal of the reform is to “optimize and increase the efficiency of the executive branch.” According to him, the main objective is to eliminate intermediaries between ministers and the president, which eliminates duplication of functions at different levels. This will help reduce the bloated state apparatus and increase the efficiency and consistency of the work of government bodies.
“The position of prime minister, introduced by the 1994 Constitution, as an element of stabilization to reduce social tension, had its advantages. However, for the moment, the decision to abandon this position has been made in the interest of simplifying the management structure.” – Apsnypress quotes the deputy.
It is also proposed to complement the Constitution with rules that regulate the appointment of ministers in agreement with parliament. According to Khutab, this innovation strengthens the role of the legislative branch in the process of forming the executive branch, strengthening the system of checks and balances. Parliament has the opportunity to participate more actively in the selection of key government officials, which can improve the quality and efficiency of its work, the deputy believes.
“I believe that this reform is extremely important and necessary. Under the current approach, the public, including parliament, will be aware of the ministerial candidate’s plans and intentions, as well as his programs to reform the ministry. This provision will promote openness and transparency.” – he emphasized.
The bill also gives the president the right to dissolve parliament and hold new parliamentary elections if more than a third of these seats remain vacant after three ministerial nominations are rejected.
“Parliament unanimously agrees that this provision should be removed to avoid upsetting the balance of power. If the project is adopted at first reading, amendments will be prepared for second reading to exclude this rule. “We’re really trying to create a balance of power, and giving too much power to the president can have negative consequences.” – Jutaba emphasized.
If the proposed amendments are approved, the position of vice president will remain in Abkhazia. Jutaba noted that there has been debate for a long time in Abkhazian society about the need for the position of vice president. Amendments to the Constitution provide for the establishment of a general norm (a rule of law that does not contain the norm of conduct itself, but a reference to other laws), which implies the development of a separate law on the vice president.
“The members of the constitutional reform commission decided that it was necessary to approve a law that would define the specific role and functions of the vice president. There were proposals to completely abandon this position, but as a result of discussions and negotiations it was decided to maintain it.” – pointed out the parliamentarian.
The issue of constitutional reforms in Abkhazia is becoming more and more relevant in light of current political developments, he noted. The Constitution, adopted three decades ago, largely successfully served the interests of the Abkhaz state during its formation. However, the change in conditions requires reviewing some of its provisions, the deputy is sure.
“I support the idea of a gradual reform of the Constitution through amendments. However, in general, I think it is important to preserve the main text of the Constitution in its current form. At the same time, any changes must be the result of broad public debate and consensus, so that reforms reflect the interests of all segments of society.” – Daut Jutaba concluded.
Today, November 26, marks the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia. The Constitution, which proclaimed the republic as a sovereign, democratic and legal state, historically established by the people’s right to self-determination, was adopted in 1994 at a session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Abkhazia, headed by President Vladislav Ardzinba. The citizens of the republic expressed their approval of the current Constitution in a national referendum on October 3, 1999.
