Irakli Kobakhidze Announces Key Government Appointments for Regional Development, Adjara Government, and Security

| News, Politics, Georgia

On April 4-5, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced several key appointments: Kakhaber Guledani as Minister of Regional Development, Sulkhan Tamazashvili as Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, and Anri Okhanashvili as Chief of the State Security Service, following consultations and leadership transitions within the government.

On April 4, Kobakhidze introduced Kakhaber Guledani as the new Minister of Regional Development after discussions with the parliamentary majority. During a briefing at the Government Administration, he highlighted Guledani’s extensive experience in management and regional affairs. "A few days ago, following consultations with the parliamentary majority, we decided to establish the Ministry of Regional Development of Georgia. Initially, we announced that Mr. Grigol Liluashvili would take the ministerial role. However, further discussions with Mr. Liluashvili revealed differing views on the ministry’s operational principles, including human resource policies. As a result, we unanimously decided against his appointment," Kobakhidze explained. He outlined Guledani’s qualifications, noting his tenure as Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure from 2016 to 2017, as well as leadership roles in Samgori District, Tbilisi’s Municipal Inspection, and his current position as Tbilisi’s Deputy Mayor. Kobakhidze wished him success in his new role.

Also on April 4, Kobakhidze presented Sulkhan Tamazashvili as the candidate for Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. He praised Adjara’s progress and Tamazashvili’s qualifications, particularly his long service in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stating, "We are presenting a highly deserving candidate—Sulkhan Tamazashvili—who has served our state and country honorably for many years." Kobakhidze thanked outgoing Chairman Tornike Rizhvadze for his contributions. President Mikheil Kavelashvili submitted Tamazashvili’s candidacy to the Supreme Council of Adjara for approval, following consultations with political entities and co-signing by Kobakhidze.

On April 5, Kobakhidze introduced Anri Okhanashvili as the new Chief of the State Security Service, succeeding Grigol Liluashvili. He commended Liluashvili’s exemplary service during a challenging period, saying, "The past six years have been especially difficult for our country. Amid these complex challenges, Mr. Grigol Liluashvili demonstrated exceptional integrity, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring our country’s security." Kobakhidze expressed confidence in Okhanashvili, citing his experience as a Member of Parliament, Head of the Legal Issues Committee, and Justice Minister, adding, "I am absolutely convinced that Mr. Anri Okhanashvili will be a worthy leader of this esteemed agency." Okhanashvili thanked the Prime Minister for his trust, while Liluashvili wished the new leadership success.

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