Georgian PM praises nominees, candidates for new Gov’t composition to Parliament

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, on Thursday praised nominees and candidates for the new composition of the country’s Government, stating “each of them is outstanding in their respective fields”.

Speaking at a plenary session of the Parliament, Kobakhidze emphasised the Government team consisted of “true professionals”, with Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for the Economy Minister of the country, personally being the “best guarantee that all the plans we have set out in the Government programme will be implemented”.

He said the country had “very serious challenges in the foreign direction”, and noted Maka Botchorishvili, the nominee for the post of the country’s Foreign Minister, was the “best at doing all the work related to strengthening our state's foreign policy positions”.

The PM also praised Aleksandre Tsuladze, the candidate for the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth Affairs of the country, for his understanding of the education system and the field, by saying “he best ensures the fulfillment of tasks related to the development of education and science in the country”.

He also highlighted the Government’s “very close daily communication” with Mikheil Sarjveladze, the candidate for the post of the Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs, on “all issues related to strengthening the healthcare system”.

The official said Sarjveladze was the “best guarantee” that “all priorities” set out in the healthcare programme would be properly implemented.

Kobakhidze said Tea Akhvlediani, the candidate for the State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality, was also an “experienced member” of the Government team, leading the direction of reconciliation and civil equality. He noted every day of her work had been marked by “professionalism and the effective implementation of her responsibilities”.

He said Anri Okhanashvili, the nominee for Justice Minister, was “one of the most highly qualified lawyers” in the country, adding he had a “lot of experience in both politics and law in general”.

The PM also praised Irakli Chikovani, the candidate for the country’s Defence Minister, by saying he was a “very worthy person” for the position, adding he had already made a number of “important changes” and the efforts for strengthening the Georgian army would be ongoing.

He said Vakhtang Gomelauri, the candidate for the post of the Interior Minister of the country, represented the “best guarantee” that “on the one hand, the strength and stability of the state will be unwaveringly protected, and on the other hand, the rights and interests of our citizens”.

The official added David Songulashvili the nominee for the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of the country, was a “new member” of the Government team, with the PM noting the field of environmental protection and agriculture was “in the best hands”, while also praising Lasha Khutsishvili, the candidate for the Finance Minister, for an “outstanding professional” in the field.

Kobakhidze recognised Irakli Karseladze, the candidate for the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of the country, as the “best guarantee” that the implementation of “large-scale projects will continue with great success in the future”.

He also lauded the “extraordinary ability” of Tinatin Rukhadze, the candidate for the Minister of Culture and Sports until the Ministry of Sports is split from the body to be led by Shalva Gogoladze, following the Parliament's adoption of the act for separation.