Epress.am News from Armenia
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose second term in office expires in 2013, believes that Georgia needs a strong presidential system.
“Georgia is a state that has serious battle cries before her and there’s a need for a powerful leader,” said Saakashvili, commenting on the country’s new Constitution.
In his words, without a strong president, governing during these crisis conditions will be difficult. “Thus, I can’t agree to recommendations that limit the president’s powers.”
Saakashvili also noted that according to the new Constitution, the president will be elected for a 5-year term, there can be more frequent turnover in government, and a strong parliament will be managed by the government.
The Georgian leader also assured that he doesn’t intend to run for office during the 2013 elections.
“I don’t intend to hold a referendum, which would allow me to participate in elections for a third time,” said Saakashvili, reports Georgia Online.