Georgian PM-designate names cabinet with two new faces

The candidate for the Georgian premiership Irakli Garibashvili has named his cabinet members earlier today which includes two new faces - candidates for the minister of infrastructure and defence. 

Maia Tskitishvili, who has served the country’s regional development and infrastructure minister since 2018 has resigned and her deputy, Irakli Karseladze, has been nominated as her replacement. 

Juansher Burchuladze who previously served as the Georgian deputy defence minister has been nominated for defence minister, replacing Garibashvili in the role. 

The candidates nominated are as follows: 

• Justice Minister - Gocha Lortkipanidze
• Foreign Minister - David Zalkaliani
• Interior Minister - Vakhtang Gomelauri
• Defence Minister - Juansher Burchuladze
• Finance Minister - Ivane Machavariani
• Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development - Natia Turnava
• Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport - Mikheil Chkhenkeli
• Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture - Levan Davitashvili
• Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure - Irakli Karseladze 
• Minister for Internally Displaced Persons, Health and Social Issues - Ekaterine Tikaradze
• State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality - Tea Akhvlediani

Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia resigned yesterday and the ruling Georgian Dream party nominated Garibashvili for the post. 

 The parliament will have to approve a new PM and cabinet in two weeks.

 If parliament fails to approve the new government, the president will dismiss the parliament and snap parliamentary elections will be scheduled.

Voting is scheduled on February 22.