President Backs Imereti Governor Amid Protests

President Saakashvili said on May 25 that he will not dismiss governor of a west-Georgian province of Imereti David Mumladze.

Local opposition activists in administrative center Kutaisistaged a protest rally on May 24 accusing Mumladze of nepotism and demanded his resignation.

Saakashvili said the protests in Kutaisi were triggered by the former officials of the region, which were appointed by ex-President Shevardnadze, including former governor of Imereti Temur Shashiashvili.