Georgia’s Ministry of Economy undergoes reshuffle

Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has announced a series of leadership changes across several key agencies, citing "personal statements" as the reason for multiple resignations.

According to an official press release, the heads of the Land Transport Agency, the State Oil and Gas Corporation, and the Maritime Transport Agency have all stepped down. Notably, Alexandre Akhvlediani, the now-former head of the Maritime Transport Agency, resigned last week and has been linked to an ongoing case involving former Adjara government head Tornike Rijvadze. Akhvlediani was initially detained for negligent storage of firearms and later released on bail of 30,000 GEL by Tbilisi City Court.

In response to the vacancies, new appointments have been made:

- Aleksandre Sokhadze has been named head of the Energy Policy and Investment Projects Department.

- Tornike Kazarashvili has been appointed as the new General Director of the Electricity Market Operator (ESCO).

Georgia’s new Minister of Economy, Mariam Kvrivishvili, introduced Kazarashvili to the ESCO team, praising his sectoral expertise:

“Tornike is a seasoned professional who knows the opportunities and challenges in the energy sector well. ESCO plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of our power system, and I am confident the new leadership will successfully fulfill its mandate.”

Prior to the changes, Levan Gamkrelidze served as head of the Land Transport Agency, while Giorgi Chikovani was General Director of the State Oil and Gas Corporation.