Georgia ends compulsory military conscription 43006162

Defence & Security News - Georgia
 
Georgia ends compulsory military conscription
Georgia has finally implemented its plan to have all-professional Armed Forces, after the government decided to abolish compulsory military conscription. The decision for the transformation was taken in 2007 in order to be implemented until 2009. However, the war with Russia has pushed the plan further into the future.
     
Georgia ends compulsory military conscription
Georgian Army artillery troops upon the conclusion of a training exercise (Photo: Georgian MoD)
     

The Georgian Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli made the announcement on 27 June. The minister is a member of the Republican Party, which shares power with the Georgian Dream party.

The decision was met with fierce opposition by parliamentarians of the Georgia Dream party, who accused the minister of taking an amateurish decision, in order to win the elections due to take place next October.

The Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvilli said that the decision should be discussed first by the National Security Council. Similar statements were also made by President Giorgi Margvelasvhilli, who mentioned that such a critical decision should be discussed by the cabinet of ministers.