Georgian PM announces Cabinet reshuffle as election dispute deepens

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday announced a reshuffle in his government, with three new ministers set to take office once Parliament approves the changes later during the day.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Chancellery, Kobakhidze named the new appointees:

Foreign Affairs Minister: Maka Botchorishvili will replace Ilia Darchiashvili, who has held the post since April 2022. Bochorishvili chaired the European Integration Committee in the outgoing Parliament.

Justice Minister: Anri Okhanashvili will succeed Rati Bregadze, who has served since April 2021. Okhanashvili chaired the Legal Affairs Committee.

Agriculture Minister: David Songulashvili will take over from Otar Shamugia, who has been in office since February 2022. Songulashvili led the Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy Committee in Parliament.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the outgoing ministers, hinting that they would take on senior roles in the government. “I will inform you of the details later,” he said.

The announcement comes amid political turmoil following the 26 October parliamentary elections. Opposition parties, NGOs, and President Salome Zourabichvili have accused the ruling party of orchestrating electoral fraud.

President Zourabichvili refused to convene the first parliamentary session, branding it unconstitutional. Writing on social media platform X, she cited three reasons:

Alleged large-scale electoral fraud undermining legitimacy.
Her refusal to convene the session, claiming no one else holds the constitutional authority to do so.

Her appeal to the Constitutional Court, which has yet to issue a decision.

Despite the controversy, Parliament is set to proceed, with Kobakhidze aiming to secure approval for his government.