Event Organized on Behalf of Patriarchate Resulted in Scandal

Nino Mshvidobadze, Guria

Folk Fest “Croon of Lanchkhuti Residents” was organized in the youth center of the St. Trinity Cathedral on behalf of the Georgian Patriarchate. This fest caused scandal in Lanchkhuti.

Businessman Boris Chkonia, born in Lanchkhuti but living in Tbilisi, claims that he might become future governor of Lanchkhuti district and several members of the Georgian Dream support him. Signatures are collected in support of Chkonia in Lanchkhuti. The folk fest was organized with financial support of Boris Chkonia.

Special meeting was organized in the Lachkhuti office of the Georgian Dream on the purpose. Lanchkhuti district governor Zaza Urushadze said disinformation was spread about him recently. “I want to calm down everybody – I am going to continue my activities on the position; we are implementing more projects in Lanchkhuti district than those implemented during soviet time. If somebody blames me in nepotism, I am ready to answer them! I will finish my duty and even if am not here, I will pay attention to Lanchkhuti district.”

His deputy Vakhtang Zenaishvili is speaking about serious deals. “It was a serious deal: they had to assist Davit Tsintsadze (head of musical company Shavnabada) to replace Giorgi Ushikishvili on the position (head of State Folk Center) and in exchange Tsintsadze had to assist Chkonia to become district governor.”

Humanrights.ge contacted Davit Tsintsadze and asked him to comment on the fact: “I have never been so worried about any comments before. I am very insulted. When Zaza Urushadze became district governor, I talked with him about culture issues and I gave him some recommendations. Now, when Boris Chkonia has good initiatives about Lanchkhuti, why should not I support him? If somebody thinks that I will become head of Folk Center since December 22, 2013, he/she is not aware of political developments because this position is already occupied.”