Shota Murgulia To Be Interim Kutaisi Mayor

Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi

Kutaisi has new governor. Shota Murgulia, who arrived from the capital several days ago and held introductory meetings with the employees of the local self-governmental agencies, will officially act as an interim city mayor.

“I respect this city and am ready to work for its welfare. I always supported Kutaisi, when I was deputy minister of regional development and infrastructure. I will support this city now too as an interim mayor,” Shota Murgulia told media during the meeting.

For the past ten years, he is the 11th mayor in Kutaisi, who will officially occupy the position after the competition is over; meanwhile he will act as an interim mayor.

Shota Murgulia has huge merit to the infrastructural development of Kutaisi and intends to rule the city with his team. One of his future deputies was already nominated – Nodar Mikiashvili, head of unit at the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure. After the competition, he will replace vice-mayor Tengiz Topuridze, who has already resigned based on his personal application.

Another vice-mayor Kote Lomidze also resigned, who acted as interim mayor after Dimitry Kopalyani resigned before November 4. Afterwards, City Council’s fraction Georgian Dream and Alliance of Patriots made decision on personnel changes and appointed Gia Sharabidze to the position of interim mayor. His term expired on November 20 and returned to the old position of vice-mayor.

When the chairman of the city council introduced Shota Murgulia to the media representatives, nongovernmental organizations and discontent participants of the competition requested resignation of Gia Sharabidze. “Sharabidze shall immediately quit position. This city does not need slave-mayors and interim mayors. Sharabidze and his predecessors are slaves. Now it is high time for professionals and honest people,” the rally participants stated. 

As for Shota Murgulia, Kutaisi residents are pleased with his candidature. “Educated,” “determined,” “respectful resident of Kutaisi”, “a young man but good professional” – locals described Murgulia with these epithets even before he arrived in Kutaisi. Acting and former officials of the Kutaisi self-government positively evaluate the mayor-to-be and wish him success on the new position.