The Parliament Palace hosted the accomplishment ceremony of the internship program.

H.E. Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament, congratulated the students.

As the Speaker mentioned, it was the first updated internship program after the legislative amendments ensured that the program would be paid.

Shalva Papuashvili thanked the organizer of the new program - Vice-Speaker Nino Tsilosani.

According to him, the Parliament envisions offering the internship program to students and graduates on a regular basis to provide them with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the parliamentary environment.

“I trust that these three months have been instrumental in your professional development, providing you with valuable knowledge and experience. You have been recognised as the ‘ambassadors’ of the parliament among your peers, effectively raising their interest in the parliamentary internship program”, - the Speaker remarked.

The First Vice-Speaker, Giorgi Volski, also addressed the attendees.

“I believe, the internship program was highly productive in developing your critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, the political climate, particularly in Georgia and globally, is often characterised by double standards and unjust judgments. These issues require our intellect, knowledge, practical thinking, and a principled approach to address. In this critical era, the ability to conduct in-depth analysis is paramount. I am pleased to observe the positive outcomes achieved by the interns in the parliamentary staff, and I extend my gratitude to your esteemed pedagogues for their guidance”, - he noted.

The Vice-Speaker, Nino Tsilosani thanked Shalva Papuashvili for supporting the updated internship program.

“The internship program has been suspended for several years, and the Parliament, as never before, requires your fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and motivation. Many of my colleagues expressed their desire to meet with you, not only because it was in your best interest but also because it was imperative for us to broaden our horizons and visions through your insightful viewpoints and youthful optimism.”

The Chair of the EU Integration Committee, Levan Makhashvili also addressed the interns, stressing that the program was mutually beneficial.

“Internship in the Parliament is a distinct process. If the activity in any of the Ministries operates in a single channel, the Parliament enjoys the privilege of realising the extended approach through diverse aspects”, - he remarked.

The participants of the internship program presented their thematic reports on the following topics: legal regulations on the prohibition of political parties in the Georgian and European constitutional contexts; the impact of the war in Ukraine on the Georgian agenda: challenge or advantage; women political representation in Georgia; from the global chaos to the national determination; and the agro-tourism for the agrarian sustainability and enhancement.

At the end of the ceremony, the Speaker delivered the certificates to the interns.

The internship paid programme had a duration of three months, during which 32 interns were engaged. These interns were allocated to various Committees and structural units.