Fight for the Chair of Chairman of Batumi City Council

Maka Malakmadze, Adjara

Irakli Chavleishvili of Republic Party might occupy the position of the chairman of Batumi City Council. 12 members of the council have already applied to the self-government to schedule the session.

Twelve members of the city council request in their application to schedule special session and to discuss two issues – resignation of current chairman of the Batumi City Council – Giorgi Kirtadze and election of council member Irakli Chavleishvili for the position.

“Everything is going on moderately. Council members shall achieve agreements on these issues. It is democratic process and we are not breaching regulations,” said Chavleishvili.

Current chairman of the City Council Giorgi Kirtadze from the National Movement claims the opposite. He said the council members have illicit request. “Why are they hurrying? Procedurally, they cannot request resignation of the chairman before February 20.”

Kirtadze calculates the time from November 19, 2012 when fraction National Movement requested resignation of acting chairman of the city council at the special session. Kirtadze had also signed this petition together with eight more council members.

However, the council members from the opposition did not attend the session; so there was not quorum (12 members) at the session and the issue was not discussed. Article 33 Part VI of the Organic Law of Georgia on Self Governance reads: “If city council members cannot manage to start the procedures of the Chairman’s dismissal, they are not able to carry out the indicated function during the following three months.”