President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili Calls for Resignation of Acting NBG President Natia Turnava
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, September 21, 2023
The President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili called for the resignation of Natia Turnava, the acting president of the National Bank of Georgia, during a briefing.
Zourabichvili also urged the Council to invalidate Natia Turnava's decision, which altered the rules for implementing international sanctions, preventing the freezing of Otar Partskhaladze's bank accounts in Georgia.
The President of Georgia stated that Natia Turnava had compromised the National Bank's independence and called for her resignation. She also apologized for appointing her as a board member, expressing regret over that decision.
"Natia Turnava has harmed the principle of independence of the National Bank and she should resign.
It is time for the Board to assume responsibility and exercise its oversight function. With the collective decision of the Council, it is possible to invalidate a sole decision. This action by the Council will effectively preserve the NBG's independence. This is achievable because retired vice presidents are obligated to work for an additional two months.
The council is fully functional and can make various decisions. These are the steps that need to be taken urgently in order to prevent further significant damage to the country's reputation, along with the expected international reactions.
This is the right way that will protect the achievements of Georgia's economic and financial stability and international reputation in this field. No one has the right to make such decisions because of narrow interests. At the same time, I want to welcome the very clear position of the private banking sector, which is really what this country needs today," said Salome Zourabichvili.
