Ukraine's Poroshenko says Saakashvilli could join opposition
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015 file photo, governor of Odessa region in Ukraine, Mikhail Saakashvili speaks during the anti-corruption forum in Kiev, Ukraine. Ukrainian news agencies are reporting that Mikhail Saakashvili, the onetime Georgian president who became governor of Ukraine's Odessa region, is resigning. Saakashvili was appointed governor of Odessa in May 2015. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov, File) (The Associated Press)
Ukraine's president has suggested former Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili is stepping down as governor of Odessa region to boost his own political career.
Petro Poroshenko said in Slovenia Tuesday the government could formally confirm Saakashvili's resignation on Wednesday.
"I hope tomorrow the government will remove him from the position of the regional administration and give him an opportunity to provide political activity," he said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Saakashvili said Monday he is resigning in frustration at what he characterized as obstruction in efforts to root out corruption.
Poroshenko appointed Saakashvili as governor of the corruption-riddled Black Sea region in May 2015. But in his resignation announcement, Saakashvili accused Poroshenko of supporting the criminal clans in Odessa.
Saakashvili said in a video posted on his Facebook page that he felt "cheated and tired."