Reorganization initiated by new Interior Minister changes nothing for state, Georgian expert

Security expert Andro Gotsiridze has voiced skepticism about recent personnel changes in Georgia’s Interior Ministry, saying that while a new minister may be making appointments, these moves will not lead to real improvements for the state.

Speaking to journalists, Gotsiridze noted that the reshuffling of officials seems aimed at serving the interests of a single person or a narrow circle of people, rather than the nation as a whole. “The problem is that everything serves the interests of one person or a small group, and these interests often do not align — and can even conflict — with the country’s security interests,” he said.

Regarding the new appointments, Gotsiridze suggested that the changes could be a tactical move to improve relations with the West. “This might just be an attempt to show the West that the particularly brutal, sanctioned figures have been removed, so let’s start a new page,” he speculated. “But for us ordinary citizens, because there is no proper structure in place, it doesn’t matter who heads a department — the core issues won’t change.”

The expert emphasized that until police and security services are freed from partisan control, they will always prioritize the party’s security over the state’s security. “Whoever is appointed, they will be forced to act in the same way — with varying degrees of brutality and professionalism — but nothing will change in essence,” he concluded.