Fan-Worker – New Phenomenon in Georgian Politics

“I have been fan-worker of the United National Movement and its nominated majoritarian candidate”

Nino Mshvidobadze, Guria

Several days ago, Head of Culture, Education, Sport, Monument Protection and Youth Affairs of the Lanchkhuti District Administration physically assaulted Bacho Mshvidobadze, young activist of the Georgian Dream’s local administration in the square in Lanchkhuti. The victim personally spoke about the incident with us.

-Irma Mgeladze met me in the square and asked me “why do not you greet me.” I reminded her that I had met her two days before and had greeted her. She said she did not remember it and added that I had chosen wrong way and it was high time for me to change my opinion. I asked what she meant but suddenly she slapped me.

-Are not you friends with Mgeladze’s son? You were classmates, are not you?

-Yes, it is true. We studied at school together and we were friends. I do not know how we will continue relation after this incident. I am sorry for this fact. She slapped me in front of a lot of people in the park by day time.

Irma Mgeladze did not comment on the fact.

It is noteworthy that it is not first fact when Irma Mgeladze is linked with similar incidents. On August 8, 2012 Mgeladze’s office organized a symbolic chain in Lanchkhuti center to protest Russian occupation. A member of the Georgian Dream’s local office Eka Kvachadze also wished to join the chain but Mgeladze did not allow her.

Eka Kvachadze: “August 2008 is not tragedy only for one political party; it was tragedy for the entire Georgia. So, I did not hesitate to join the chain. I did not expect anybody to prohibit me to stand there. Irma Mgeladze came and said: it is not right place for you; you should go to the Georgian Dream’s assembly and made me leave the area.

Mgeladze did not comment on this fact either.

Article 73(2) of the Law on Public Service states: “Public servant shall avoid any action that might damage the reputation of his/herself, his/her agency or public service.”

Article 78 of the same law is about disciplinary violation and states: “1. disciplinary violation is: c) dishonest behavior (offensive action) aiming at discrediting general moral norms or worker and institution, regardless the fact the violation was committed at work our outside it. Article 79 of this law envisages disciplinary liability for the public servant if she/he violates this law.”

We conversed with the acting district governor Kakha Askurava whether they had rebuked Mgeladze for similar action.

- I do not know these facts and cannot comment on them.

-Do you think it is necessary to at least rebuke your employee for similar action?

-If public servant violates the law, she/he will be punished in accordance to the law. However, I cannot speak about the facts you speak about because I do not know anything.

Several days ago Irma Mgeladze published a response letter in a local newspaper where she wrote: “I have been fan-worker of the successful future of my country, my president, United National Movement and their nominated majoritarian candidate; and in general with all my heart and truth I stand there where every Georgian shall stand (particularly today).”

Media expert Ia Antadze said it was political statement of a public servant. However, acting legislation allows public servant to demonstrate his/her support for any political party only after working hours or during holiday.

Article 61 of the Law on Public Service states: “Public servant shall not use his/her professional power for the party activities.”