Tbilisi University Rector Resigns

Roin Metreveli, who has been the Rector of the Tbilisi State University (TSU) for the past 13 years, filed his resignation to the University’s Great Council on October 1.

At a session of the Great Council, the governing body of the TSU, Roin Metreveli denied accusations that he was pressured by President Mikheil Saakashvili to step down.

Roin Metreveli has been a target of criticism of a portion of the TSU students who accuse Metreveli of heavy-handed rule and corruption.

It is likely that Georgia?s current Ambassador to Italy, Rusudan Lortkipanidze, will replace Metreveli. The outgoing Rector announced on October 1 that he has appointed Dr. Rusudan Lortkipanidze, the Deputy Rector, as his replacement, thus paving the way for her participation in the elections of a new Rector by the Council.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has already expressed his support for Rusudan Lortkipanidze?s candidacy.