Georgia’s Minister of Economy Quits Post

Georgia’s Economy Minister Giorgi Kobulia has stepped down.

The reason for Kobulia’s resignation is unknown as he has not made any statements yet.

The resignation statement of the ex-minister was signed by the Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Baklhtadze.

The duties of Kobulia will be fulfilled by his First Deputy, Natia Turnava, who, according to the media, has already been appointed as the new minister.

Giorgi Kobulia was appointed as the Minister of Economy on July 12, 2018 and held this position for 9 months.

Opposition parties call on the government to give explanations about the reason for the minister’s resignation.

Independent MP Levan Gogichaishvili says that it should be made clear Kobulia quit himself or he was released.

“I hope the PM will come to the parliament and explanation Kobulia’s resignation…Bakhtadze does not make such decisions. Maybe it was somebody’s order,” the MP said, allegedly referring to the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) founder and Chair, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Meanwhile, European Georgia says that swapping Kobulia for Turnava changes nothing.

“By replacing one minister with another, there will be no real changes in politics and the country will still be ruled by Ivanishvili,” party MP Irakli Abesadze said.

Kobulia will make an official statement about his resignation on April 19.

By Thea Morrison