“I don’t know what the exact reason was, but from what I’ve observed over the past few months — if Doiashvili wants to enter politics, he can take that step. If you’re in a certain position, you have to work and take care of your specific responsibilities — it’s very simple,” said Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze in response to the dismissal of Davit Doiashvili from his role as Artistic Director of the Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama Theatre.

Kaladze noted that people can have different views on political matters.

“Anyone can have a different opinion — there are plenty of people, including within my own City Hall team, who have differing political views. It’s impossible for everyone to think the same way or have the same attitudes.

As for his dismissal, I don’t know the grounds, but as I said, if Doiashvili wants to get into politics, he should just go ahead and do it. If you are where you are, then do your job and take care of your area — it’s very straightforward.

Anyone can protest — that’s fine — but that doesn’t mean you can just stop working or neglect your duties. It’s really simple. That’s why I said — if someone wants to get involved in politics, they’re free to do so. He has led different types of events for years. A person can have a different view or attitude — that doesn’t mean we’re enemies. Don’t look at those radical groups that are on the streets today acting as foreign agents. There are people who might have a different perspective on various issues — but that doesn’t mean we are enemies,” Kaladze said.

For context, the Ministry of Culture dismissed Davit Doiashvili from his position as head of the Vaso Abashidze State Music and Drama Theatre. The Ministry explained that despite “repeated warnings,” the theatre’s leadership failed to fulfill its statutory obligations. Additionally, while the institution received uninterrupted funding from the state budget, the creative process at the theatre had been suspended for months.

As a reminder, several months ago, Doiashvili announced a "protest manifesto." The theatre has been on strike for months, and one of its actors, Andro Chichinadze, has been active in protest rallies.