Opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Front parliamentary faction have demanded Education Minister Alexander Lomaia’s resignation, alleging that up to GEL 40 million had been embezzled in the Ministry while implementing various projects last year.
The Democratic Front, which unites lawmakers from the Republican and Conservative parties, as well as some independent MPs, cited a report by the state audit agency, the Chamber of Control.
The newly appointed deputy head of the Chamber of Control, Levan Mkheidze, who briefed opposition lawmakers on the report on May 29, said that “there have been certain types of misconduct” but it was not yet clear whether they were criminal in nature.
The Education Ministry has denied any wrongdoing. In a letter sent to the Chamber of Control, Minister Lomaia said that he welcomed the audit process, but disagreed with its conclusions, citing a lack of “objectivity and preciseness.”
MP Davit Zurabishvili of the Democratic Front faction said at a news conference on May 29 that the report warrented the minister’s impeachment.
Lomaia is an influential member of the cabinet with close ties to President Saakashvili. In the event of Zurab Nogaideli’s resignation as prime minister – the PM recently had health complications – Lomaia is considered, by both media and political pundits, to be his most likely successor.
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