Parliament Unanimously Expresses Confidence in Renewed Government
The Parliament of Georgia has unanimously expressed confidence to the renewed composition of the government. The New Cabinet of Ministers was confirmed with 98 votes. The members of the National Movement, European Georgia and the Alliance of Patriots did not take part in voting.
The government has a new head - the former Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
The changes to the cabinet include Levan Izoria heading the National Security Council, former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili as Minister of Defense and Vakhtang Gomelauri replacing Gakharia as Minister of Internal Affairs.
In his remarks, Gakharia asserted, “Security is the basis on which we should build on country’s development.” He elaborated, “The most important component of our security dimension is Georgia’s foreign policy, the country’s pro-Western orientation, and European and Euro-Atlantic integration…The United States is our main strategic partner and there are no limitations in our cooperation”.
Gakharia has led major initiatives to advance Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic and European integration, foster a business-friendly economy, and attract significant foreign direct investment that has resulted in jobs and economic growth. The World Bank currently ranks Georgia #6 in the world for ease of doing business.
Regarding the Russian-occupied territories, he remarked, “Today, 20 percent of Georgian economy is occupied, today 20 percent of country’s development potential is occupied, today 20 percent of our human capital is occupied – this is the biggest impediment for the development of our country….We should be clever and rational in our policy against our enemy, for the national interests of our country and particularly the people living across the occupation line. We should fully utilize the potential of all existing formats against Russia."
He elaborated on his vision for the nation by stating that the government will work hard to ensure effective communication between the business community and Government, which will help strengthen the economy and create jobs.
When discussing the overall state of the Georgian economy, he emphasized, “We should compare ourselves with what we have been before and where we stood yesterday. The goal should be a better future.”
He also underscored the importance of education reform in bringing systemic change to Georgia’s development and creating an opportunity for future generations.
The lawmakers expressed confidence in the following ministers:
Prime Minister - Giorgi Gakharia;
Minister of Defense - Irakli Gharibashvili;
Minister of Internal Affairs - Vakhtang Gomelauri;
Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport - Mikheil Batiashvili;
Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture - Levan Davitashvili;
Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development - Natia Turnava;
Minister of Justice - Tea Tsulukiani;
Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs - Ekaterine Tikaradze;
Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure - Maia Tskitishvili;
Minister of Foreign Affairs - Davit Zalkaliani;
Minister of Finance - Ivane Machavariani;
State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality - Ketevan Tsikhelashvili.
Prime Minister Gakharia and the cabinet took office immediately following the vote.
By Ana Dumbadze