At the plenary session of Parliament, the Government’s Parliamentary Secretary, Vakhtang Bachiashvili, presented several government legislative initiatives in their I reading.

 

The draft law on State Procurement, which aims to ensure the rational spending of budgetary funds by procuring organizations, was adopted by Parliament with 86 votes in favor.

 

According to the presenter, the bill introduces new regulations related to the “blacklist” and disqualification mechanisms. Under the current rules, inclusion on the blacklist results in a one-year restriction from participating in state contracts. The amendment distinguishes between improper fulfillment of obligations and cases where a person engages in dishonest conduct to obtain the right to conclude a contract. In such cases, the ban on participation in public procurement will increase from one to two years and will apply not only to the economic operator directly involved, but also to its founders and partners. He also noted that the proposed legislation places particular emphasis on supporting the development of small and medium-sized businesses through the institutional introduction of the subcontractor concept and the detailed regulation of its legal framework.

 

The draft Criminal Code of Georgia, adopted by Parliament with 79 votes in favor, modifies the provision concerning criminal offenses related to public procurement. The amendment establishes criminal liability for prior agreements, collusion, or other actions in the public procurement process — including market research and simplified procurement contracts — when such actions are aimed at obtaining material benefit or advantage and result in a substantial violation of the lawful interests of the procuring organization. The bill also clarifies that a public official or an equivalent person is not considered the subject of this offense. For legal entities, the proposed sanctions include deprivation of the right to operate, liquidation, and fines.

 

The Parliamentary Secretary also discussed the draft law on Remuneration in Public Institutions. According to the amendment, deputy members of the Government of Georgia, deputy members of the governments of the Autonomous Republics of Abkhazia and Ajara, deputy state representatives, and deputy mayors of municipalities will be eligible to receive salary supplements and monetary bonuses by decision of a superior official, within the limits established by law and the relevant budget allocations. In addition, the draft law stipulates that the number of persons employed under administrative contracts in a public institution may not exceed 15% of the institution’s total staff positions, instead of the current 10%. 

 

Parliament adopted the bill in the first reading with 77 votes in favor and 9 against.