Ruling Party Official Accuses Adjarian Leader of Nepotism

Member of the legislative body of the Adjara Autonomous Republic ? the Supreme Council, Eka Kherkheulidze, who is also the member of the ruling National Movement Party, accused Chairman of the Autonomous Republic?s government Levan Varshalomidze of appointing his relatives on the official positions.

Adjarian parliamentarian Eka Kherkheulidze said at a news conference on March 3 that she has handed over to Levan Varshalomidze a list of his relatives who occupy positions in the government of Autonomous Republic.

Eka Kherkheulidze refused to unveil this list; however added that she will name these persons if the Chairman of the Autonomous Republic?s Government will not dismiss his relatives ?within two-three weeks.?

This recent incident can be viewed as one more sign of disagreement persisting in the ruling National Movement party in Adjara.

Disagreement became public last week when Davit Batsikadze, one of the leading officials of National Movement party in the Adjara Autonomous Republic quitted his party on February 25 ? just one day after a group of National Movement party activists in Adjara announced that they withdraw their party membership.

Davit Batsikadze, who was the Deputy Chairman of the National Movement?s parliamentary faction in Adjara?s legislative body, cited disagreements with the Autonomous Republic?s leadership as the reason behind his resignation.