“I consider that my inner sense and also obligation is that I stand together with my Kakhetian people," says Levan Bezhashvili as he leaves his post as head of the audit service. (IPN.)

TBILISI, DFWatch – The head of Georgia’s audit service today resigned in order to help people affected by the storm in Kakheti last week.

Levan Bezhashvili has held the position since 2008. Monday, he announced his decision to resign, on the fifth day after the storm, at the office of the State Audit Service.

“I consider that my inner sense and also obligation is that I stand together with my Kakhetian people in this difficulty and help them to overcome the loss suffered because of the disaster, which is incompatible with my position. So, I made a decision to leave my managing position in Tbilisi and dedicate my future activity to taking care of the poor people together with my friends.”

Bezshashvili says it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but people need his support.

One month ago, it was reported that the government was planning to appoint Levan Bezhahsvili as a majoritarian candidate for parliament. But at the time, Bezshashvili categorically denied that this was the case, while talking with DF Watch.

After leaving his post, he has not indicated whether he plans to become a candidate, for instance in Kakheti.

According to Georgian law, the General Auditor cannot be a member of a political party or have any other political responsibility. Accordingly, if there are plans to nominate him as a candidate, he should first resign.

His letter of resignation will be sent to parliament today. It is still unknown who will replace him. According to law, parliament should elect a new head of the State Audit Service, who will be presented by the speaker of the parliament. The holder of this position is appointed for five years.

It is also unknown whether parliament will approve someone to replace Levan Bezhashvili, or instead let someone else fulfill his responsibility.