Public discussions

Public discussions or public consultations allow the public to express their opinions on and potentially influence the decisions taken regarding substantive matters of public importance. This is associated with the freedom of expression.

Public discussions or consultations with the public can take many different forms, including in person or remotely via governmental or media platforms or social media. In addition, public discussions take place at nearly all levels of governmental decision-making, ranging from municipal to ministerial and parliamentary.

Some examples of public discussions or consultations include, but are not limited to:

  • public input into draft legislation
  • advisory councils and work groups in ministries  
  • municipal public discussions regarding the cutting down of trees or planned construction
  • public discussions regarding other decisions of public importance

Some of the most common issues on which a public discussion must be held in accordance with the law include environmental, construction, and territorial development matters.

How can you participate in a public discussion?

In Georgia, participating in public discussions is a key aspect of democratic engagement. These discussions may take place on a variety of issues, including legislative reforms, policy development, public initiatives, and community matters.

Participate in Parliamentary Discussions

Attending the plenary and committee sessions of the Parliament is another means of citizen's involvement in the law-making process. Anyone wishing to attend the plenary or committee session of the Parliament should apply to the members of the Parliament of Georgia or civil servants of the Parliament's office, including:

  • the head of the Parliament's office
  • Deputy Heads of the Parliament's Office
  • the head of the Cabinet of the Speaker of the Parliament
  • Heads of departments of the Parliament apparatus
  • to the head of the secretariat of the head of the parliamentary staff

Anyone wishing to attend a plenary or committee session will be issued an entrance pass to the Parliament of Georgia, which is defined in detail by the order of the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia. The said order is posted on the website of the Parliament of Georgia.

Engage in Local Government Consultations

The forms of participation in local self-government are defined by law, with the General Meeting of the Settlement serving as an important tool for citizen engagement. This meeting allows residents of a village, township, or city to come together, discuss local issues, and propose solutions to municipal authorities.

Any voter registered in the settlement, property owner in the area, or other adult resident is eligible to participate in the General Meeting with full deliberative rights. These meetings enable citizens to address problems affecting their community, submit proposals to the municipality, and elect a representative, known as the "Chosen One of the General Assembly," who acts as a liaison between the community and local authorities.

The General Meeting can be convened by at least 5% of the registered voters in the settlement, the mayor (either on their initiative or at the request of the city council), or the Chosen One of the General Assembly. During the meeting, minutes are recorded, detailing the date, location, number of attendees, issues discussed, and decisions made.

This participatory process strengthens local self-governance by giving citizens an active role in identifying and addressing the needs of their community.

What human rights violation may there be?

If you have not been given a say on a matter of public interest, either because the public has not been consulted or because you in particular have not been heard, your freedom of expression may have been interfered with or potentially violated. However, outside of environmental, construction, and territorial development issues, the government has a wide margin of discretion in the decision-making process and does not have to consult the public on every matter.

Resources

Last updated 21/12/2024