**New Commission to Reform Universities in Georgia**
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, has announced the creation of a new state commission to reform universities. He said this will be done within four years and aims to improve the quality of higher education.
The commission will be led by Education Minister Aleksandre Tsuladze as deputy chair, with Levan Izoria, former Defense Minister and Ambassador to Germany, serving as secretary. Kobakhidze emphasized that the current state of higher education is not satisfactory and must be changed.
**Student Protests and Criticism**
This move comes amid student protests against government policies, including the Foreign Agents Law. Many students have been active in protesting against this law, which has led to tensions between the government and universities.
Some university faculties have openly criticized the government’s policies, with some professors being forced out of their positions. The Ilia State University reported that it had passed all required standards for accreditation but was still denied full accreditation without explanation.
**History of Education Reforms**
The Georgian Dream (GD) party has previously criticized education reforms carried out under the previous United National Movement (UNM) government. The GD party has accused the UNM government of trying to change Georgia’s national identity and create a new type of citizen.
**New Commission’s Goals**
The Prime Minister’s announcement comes after months of student protests and criticism from university faculties. The commission aims to transform Georgia’s higher education system within four years, utilizing all available resources.