Archil Gorduladze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, commented on the government’s reversal regarding the merger of Tbilisi State University (TSU) and the Georgian Technical University (GTU). He emphasized the shortage of specialists in key fields such as construction, biology, and geology, noting that universities play a central role in training professionals to meet the country’s needs.

“The main goal of the reform is to address challenges across the education system, including higher education and schools. The priorities are set to ensure that the knowledge behind each diploma serves the students and ultimately benefits the country. We have the needs, but not the experts. Regarding the two universities, changing the merger decision shows that the ‘Georgian Dream’ team, especially the Prime Minister, listens to differing opinions. The most rational decisions were made in response to these differing views,” Gorduladze said.

He also stressed that education will remain free for students, with learning environments adapted to their needs, including dormitories. Gorduladze highlighted the necessity of both domestic and foreign specialists to fill gaps in critical fields and accelerate Georgia’s development, particularly in infrastructure projects.

For context, the government reversed its earlier decision on merging TSU and GTU, deciding that under the “one city, one faculty” principle, GTU will become a “purely technical” university.