Georgian National Library head claims Parliament Speaker urged him to resign

Giorgi Kekelidze, the longstanding chair of the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, said on Thursday Speaker Shalva Papuashvili had met with him and encouraged his resignation after 11 years in office, citing the “necessity of renewal.”

Kekelidze, in response, “calmly conveyed” to Papuashvili that while the legal authority rested with him, another law existed, deeming the request an act of “great injustice”. 

Reflecting on the situation, Kekelidze shared his thoughts on social media, recounting the years of service, the memorable plans with colleagues, and his aspiration to unveil the restored “legendary first building” – a project already underway. He expressed his intention to find happiness in observing the news from a distance.

Kekelidze also acknowledged the potential for three days of concern and planned criticism, recognizing the transient nature of such sentiments.