Georgian PM nominates new ministers in cabinet reshuffle ahead of Parliament’s inaugural session

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday announced new ministerial candidates in a cabinet reshuffle ahead of the Parliament's inaugural session later during the day, following last month’s general elections.

At a Government briefing, the PM revealed  ruling Georgian Dream party MPs Maka Botchorishvili as the nominee for the Foreign Minister, David Songulashvili for the Minister of Environment and Agriculture, and Anri Okhanashvili for the Justice Minister.

The official thanked outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili, Justice Minister Rati Bregadze and the Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Otar Shamugia for their contributions, describing their efforts as “instrumental to the country's recent progress”. 

 Kobakhidze further added they would assume “high-level state positions”.

Highlighting Botchorishvili’s qualifications, Kobakhidze praised her as a “seasoned diplomat” and noted her spell as the Chair of the Parliament’s European Integration Committee, noting her “important role” in securing Georgia’s European Union candidate status last year. 

With over 20 years in diplomacy, she is well-equipped to lead the Ministry. She is fluent in multiple languages and has been distinguished  with the Order of Honour”, the PM said. 

Kobakhidze praised Songulashvili, an economist and former chair of several parliamentary committees, for his blend of public and private sector experience.

He also highlighted the lawmaker’s academic credentials, including a Master's degree in International Business from Grenoble Business School, and his long-standing service in Parliament.

Speaking about Okhanashvili, the Chair of Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, Kobakhidze described him as “one of Georgia’s best lawyers”, and highlighted his legal expertise and academic achievements, including a doctorate from Humboldt University in Germany.

The Georgian Parliament is set to approve the PM and his Cabinet during the inaugural session.