Georgian PM Announces Structural Changes

The newly elected Georgian Prime Minister, Mamuka Bakhtadze, has announced his planned structural changes for the government.

First, he plans to cut the number of ministries from 14 to 10, with the addition of one apparatus of the State Ministry functioning separately.

The Ministry of Refugees has been abolished and its functions will be performed by the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Health Ministry.

The Ministry of Corrections has joined the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Culture and Sports has become part of the Education Ministry.

In addition, the Religion Agency will join the Office of the State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civic Equality, and the spatial development component of the Ministry of Economy will be transferred to the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.

Bakhtadze did not specify which ministers will head the ministries, adding it will become known when he submits the list to Parliament for approval.

The PM noted that a small government will be more effective and will help the state to save money and cut administrative expenses.

Georgian parliament approved the new cabinet on June 20, after the former PM, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, stepped down on June 13. Now, with the PM deciding to reshuffle the cabinet and carry out structural changes, the renewed composition of the cabinet will be presented to lawmakers again for approval.

By Thea Morrison