Energy Minister Officially Resigns to Run for Tbilisi Mayor

Kakha Kaladze, Vice-Prime and Energy Minister of Georgia has officially stepped down in order to take part in the Tbilisi mayoral elections scheduled for this autumn.

Kaladze is the candidate of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party and the Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili believes that he has no rivals in the upcoming elections.

The PM thanked the former Energy Minister for his service during his term and wished him success in the elections.

Kvirikashvili claimed that numerous important projects were implemented during his tenure. Projects worth $1 billion and $200 million worth of foreign direct investments have been carried out, with the construction of 18 hydroelectric plants, 2 thermal power plants and 1 wind energy power plant.

“I am sure that Kakhi will cope well with the new and important challenge of being a city mayor. I would like to thank Kakhi once again and wish him success in reaching new heights," the Prime Minister stated.

Kaladze stated that a new stage was starting in his life.

“If I am elected, I will do my best to make our capital, our Tbilisi, successful. I believe Tbilisi will support me and we will together be able to solve all problems," he added.

A former footballer, Kaladze left his successful career and moved to politics in 2012 when former Prime Minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili, set up the GD coalition. He had been in the position of Energy Minister since October 2012.

Thea Morrison