Georgian PM announces new appointments including Health Minister, advisers
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the appointment of new officials to positions including the Minister of Health, the Head of the Government Administration, and advisers to the PM and on relations with Russia. Photo: Gov't Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday announced the appointment of new officials to positions including the Minister of Health, the Head of the Government Administration, and advisers to the PM and on relations with Russia.
At a press briefing in the Government Administration earlier today, Kobakhidze presented Mikheil Sarjveladze as the Minister of Health after “individual consultations” both with members of the ruling Georgian Dream political team and with representatives of the medical community.
Kobakhidze said opinion had been divided both in the political team and among representatives of the community on whether the new Minister must be from the medical field.
Based on consultations, I came to the conclusion that both medical representatives and other candidates could be considered for the post of the Minister. In the end, I gave preference to a member of our political team, whose professionalism and experience I trust. [Sarjveladze] needs no special introduction”, he said.
Sarjveladze has since 2012 worked in positions including the head of the National Enforcement Bureau and the Deputy Minister of Justice, and is the Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament.
Kobakhidze said the new Minister would “lead several important directions from today” including healthcare, “social security of the population”, protection of interests of displaced persons, employment and labour issues.
The challenges are many. There are serious challenges in all directions. However, I am sure, with his professionalism and outstanding personal qualities, he will be the best Minister and bring significant success to this field”, the PM said.
Sarjveladze replaces Zurab Azarashvili on the post after the latter resigned earlier this month.
The Prime Minister has also appointed Levan Zhorzholiani, a Chair of the Legal Commission at the Tbilisi City Council, as the Head of the Government Administration.
In addition, Nikoloz Tkemaladze was appointed the head of the Administration’s Department of Relations with the Regions, Giorgi Kajaia will work as the PM’s Adviser on Relations with Russia, and Zurab Abashidze has taken the position of Adviser to the PM.