Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and ruling Georgian Dream (GD) member Irakli Kobakhidze says Mamuka Bakhtadze, the newly named candidate for Prime Minister, is a worthy selection for the post.

“He is distinguished by his education and versatility. He is a very serious expert in the economy,” Kobakhidze said.

The Speaker added he is sure Bakhtadze will present a strong action plan to parliament and name worthy candidates for the posts of 14 ministers.

“So far he has made important initiatives and we have already seen the results. I am sure that he will present a governmental program that will accelerate the country's progress,” the speaker added.

Mamuka Bakhtadze was selected as the PM candidate by the GD party on Thursday evening, a day after the former PM, Giorgi Kvirikashvili resigned. He will be the fourth PM since GD came into power in 2012.

When Georgian Dream, established by millionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, won the parliamentary elections, defeating then-leading party United National Movement (UNM), Ivanishvili became the Prime Minister on October 25, 2012. He stayed on the post until November 20, 2013, when he decided to quit politics.

After Ivanishvili’s resignation, Irakli Garibashvili became Prime Minister and held his post until December 29, 2015, when he suddenly decided to quit, saying he completed his maximum duty.

The most recent PM, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, was named by the ruling party and backed by parliament on December 30. Kvirikashvili left his post on June 13, 2018. According to assessments by politicians from both the opposition and the ruling party, he was the best PM Georgia has had since 2012.

If the MPs do not support the presented candidate or the updated Cabinet of Ministers three times, the country’s President has the right to dissolve Parliament and appoint snap parliamentary elections. 

However, this is a highly unlikely scenario, as GD has 116 seats in Georgia’s 150 member parliament. Mamuka Bakhtadze needs votes from at least 76 MPs to be confirmed as Georgia's next Prime Minister.

By Thea Morrison

Photo: RFE/RL

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