Georgia parliament tentatively OKs shifting power to PM, critics say move benefits Saakashvili

Georgian parliament backs shifting power to PM

TBILISI, Georgia — The Georgian parliament has given tentative approval to a constitutional reform that critics say has been tailored to allow Mikhail Saakashvili to stay at the helm after his presidential term expires.

The amendments passed Friday in the second of three required readings would increase the powers of the parliament and prime minister at the expense of the presidency. Saakashvili’s opponents say that would allow him to continue calling the shots after his second term ends in 2013 by moving into the premier’s seat — just as Vladimir Putin did in Russia in 2008 after serving two terms as president.

Saakashvili denies that. Parliament, dominated by Saakashvili loyalists, is expected to give final approval later this month despite opposition protests.