Gov’t revises position on appointment of ex-security chief as Minister of Regional Development

The Georgian government has reversed its stance on the appointment of Grigol Liluashvili as the Minister of Regional Development.

Initially, Liluashvili, a former security chief, was announced as the new head of the ministry following its establishment.

However, “after further consultations within the government and discussions with Liluashvili”, it became clear that there were “differences regarding the ministry’s principles”, particularly on issues such as personnel policy, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Friday.

He confirmed that, as a result of the consultations, Liluashvili would no longer assume the role and revealed that Kakhaber Guledani, an “experienced public servant”, would replace Liluashvili as Minister of Regional Development.

He claimed Guledani’s background included roles in both the public and private sectors, including Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Governor of Samgori District in Tbilisi, and most recently, Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi.

Opposition claims through creating the new body, the authorities are taking actions to “rig” the forthcoming municipal elections in October.