Speaker scolds MPs who have been most absent

(Interpressnews.)

TBILISI, DFWatch–The Speaker of Parliament on Friday scolded ten MPs who have been absent up to a hundred times during sessions in parliament.

Davit Usupashvili said that according to the rules of parliament, an MP can have a honorary absence for family reasons.

“I don’t think MPs and their families are somehow different from other public servants and their families,” he said, adding that from now on, missing a session for family reasons won’t be regarded as honorary absence anymore.

Some MPs have missed a session more than 90 times.

“Koba Nakopia holds the record,” he said, indicating the National Movement MP who has missed more than 101 sessions.

The rest are Azer Suleimanov from UNM with 96 absences, Ramaz Nikolaishvili from UNM with 94, Gogi Liparteliani from faction Independent MPs with 93, Goderdzi Bukia from faction Independent MPs with 91, Davit Bezhuashvili Independent MP with 82, Roland Akhalaia from UNM with 80, Enzel Makoiani From faction Independent MPs – 74, Zaza Kedelashvili from UNM – 74 and Giorgi Vashadze from UNM – who has been absent 66 times.

“Words are untimely in this case. If it is so, then we have to be with them if they have such a trouble or happiness for all these two years, everyday, in their families,” Usupashvili said.

He asked the proceedings committee to remove the ‘family business’ condition from the list of valid reasons for honorable absence.

Last week two plenary sessions failed due to a lack of quorum, which requires at least 76 MPs to be present.