PM appoints ‘most successful’ minister as new head of gov’t administration

The Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated at today’s briefing that he has appointed former Minister of Corrections Kakha Kakhishvili as the new head of the government administration.

Bakhtadze described Kakhishvili as the "most successful minister,” who managed to carry out fundamental reforms in the penitentiary system.

The Ministry of Corrections came under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice based on the changes initiated by the PM in June.

Success and successful reforms in one field is not sufficient, we need fundamental changes in all directions. The government administration plays a critical role for the coordination of the reforms initiated by the government. In the new role, Kakha will coordinate all the reforms we will launch. I am sure that Kakha will worthily fulfill his responsibilities,” Bakhtadze said.

Kakhishvili spoke about the importance of fast-paced progress and stated that through the high-level of coordination between different state bodies, people will feel improvements in a short period of time.

Kakhishvili, who has been praised by both government supporters and the opposition, posted a farewell letter on Facebook, where he thanked his staff, convicts and their families for their support in the implementation of important reforms.

I want to also thank the media, local and international non-governmental organisations for showing interest to the news and changes in the penitentiary system, for their cooperation, advice, remarks and criticism, which helped us in the difficult process of reforming,” Kakhishvili wrote.

Kakhishvili, 45, has studied law and took up the correction minister’s post on August 1, 2015. 

The position of the head of the government administration became after Shalva Tadumadze was nominated for a chief prosecutor's post.