Political Replacements Continue at Kutaisi City Council

Shorena Kakabadze, Imereti

“Members of Kutaisi City Council already started preparations for the local self-governmental elections. It is the reason of ongoing replacements in the council,” local politicians evaluated the ongoing processes in Kutaisi City Council.

Fraction “Alliance of Patriots”, which was set up by 12 former members of the National Movement and Christian-Democratic Movement in the Kutaisi City Council several months ago, is about to break up. Five members left the fraction on December 3. One of them, Merab Meshveliani, said at the briefing that fraction Alliance of Patriots failed to implement its goals. “There is no other reason. It is not true allegation as if security service and MIA officers persecute Fraction members,” Msheveliani said.

Last week, Fraction Chairman spread information about the oppression on the members of the Patriot Alliance. Kakha Nemsitsveradze publicly declared that representatives of security service summoned Fraction Members individually and consulted with them. He said the fraction members were threatened.

Nemsitsveradze does not clarify which particular fraction members were summoned though said consultations are underway within the Fraction and soon many facts will be revealed. “One thing is clear – questions related with the break up or establishment of fractions shall be discussed within the fraction and not in the security service,” Kakha Nemsitsveradze said.

Members of the Fraction National Movement associate the process with the increased influence of the interim mayor Shota Murgulia. Gia Gokadze clarified: “One fraction broke up but second is getting stronger. I mean Georgian Dream, which needs many members and unity to keep the interim mayor on the position for longer time. Consequently, it is very simple that Patriots of the City Council will become Dream members to strengthen for future and reinforce the positions of Murgulia, Georgian Dream’s candidate.”

Shota Murgulia does not agree with the allegation of the United National Movement; moreover he protests their statements. Interim governor, who moved to the Kutaisi City Hall after quitting the position of deputy minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, said the statements of the UNM members are not serious. 

“I am member of the executive government and do my job. I have nothing to do with ongoing changes in the Kutaisi City Council. It is not my business,” Shota Murgulia said.

Reportedly several more members will quit the Fraction Patriots Alliance in near future.