Conflict Between the Parliament and President’s Regional Management Service

On July 24th opened session of the Majority, Speaker of the Parliament Zurab Zhvania expressed his discontent to Badri Khatidze (Head of President’s Regional Management Service) who has left the Majority in informational vacuum regarding the bill on local self-governance. Khatidze has told to press that he had achieved accord with the Opposition regarding the bill. The Majority knew it from the press, because during the meeting of President and the Majority’s Council, Badri Khatidze did not say even a word that he had agreement with the Opposition.

President reassured insulted Majority, that he continues to be the Chairman of Citizens’ Union and supports it completely.

Zurab Zhvania has stated his position regarding the bill on local self-governance: If we are moving on the road of regionalization, then we should clearly indicate in the bill, that regional reform must be implemented within a defined period. But, if we maintain Soviet-style structure of the regions, then the Majority will turn towards the complete self-governance and will support direct elections of mayors and governors.