New PM candidate hints at Cabinet change

Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgi Kvirikashvili, named earlier today as a candidate for the Prime Minister’s post, has hinted at changes within cabinet if he becomes Georgia’s new Prime Minister.

However the changes "will not be dramatic” said Kvirikashvili today. 

A possible reshuffle of Georgia’s 19 Cabinet Ministers was also mentioned by Georgia’s Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili. He said such changes would be in the "best interests of Georgia”, 

Usupashvili thanked "his friend” Irakli Garibashvili for his exemplary performance as Prime Minister of Georgia and wished successes to his successor. Garibashvili resigned on Wednesday night as Prime Minister of Georgia.

I am sure Kvirikashvili and the new Cabinet of Ministers will be approved by Parliament,” Usupashvili said. 

Parliament Speaker Davit Usupashvili says all the changes will be in best interests of Georgia. Photo by the Parliament of Georgia. 

Based on the new Georgian Constitution adopted under the previous state leadership, if a Prime Minister resigns the new candidate must be named by the parliamentary majority. 

The candidate selected by the parliamentary majority must name a cabinet. Both the cabinet and the Prime Minister candidate must be approved by Parliament. 

Learn more details about these procedures here. 

Meanwhile Georgia’s Parliament Speaker today said Parliamentary procedures would be completed before the New Year and from next year Georgia will have a new Prime Minister and cabinet.