Georgian PM presents Geka Geladze as new Head of State Security Service

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday introduced Geka Geladze as the new head of the State Security Service, praising his record in law enforcement and expressing confidence in his leadership of the agency.

According to the Government Administration, Kobakhidze highlighted Geladze’s productive work as Interior Minister and wished him success in his new position, while also announcing that Mamuka Mdinaradze, the former head of the State Security Service, will assume the posts of State Minister for the Coordination of Law Enforcement Agencies and Vice Prime Minister.

Kobakhidze said the new appointments would strengthen both the relevant institutions and the Government as a whole.

He noted that the agency’s budget had “practically doubled”, which would improve both working conditions for employees and the service’s technical capabilities.

Presenting Geladze to agency staff, Kobakhidze said that his reforms at the Ministry of Internal Affairs had produced visible results in key areas such as organised crime, drug-related offences and migration policy.

“Over the years, many problems had accumulated and Geladze achieved major success in several critical areas. Approaches and policies changed fundamentally and society can already see the results,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze noted the ruling team prioritises professionalism and integrity when making appointments in law enforcement bodies and that those qualities had been central to the decision to appoint Geladze.

Mdinaradze also thanked the Prime Minister for his support and wished Geladze success in his new role, saying the State Security Service had played a vital part not only in security matters but also in the country’s broader development.

“Geladze is a person who came to this role from the post of Interior Minister. Without exaggeration, his service as Interior Minister was impressive and the public saw that clearly,” Mdinaradze said.

He added that Geladze’s leadership and “systemic management” had strengthened the Interior Ministry and expressed confidence that the State Security Service would grow even stronger under his command.

In his remarks, Geladze thanked the Prime Minister and Parliament for the trust shown in him and praised the progress made within the State Security Service under Mdinaradze’s leadership.

“Today this is a radically different institution, much stronger than before. I thank you, your team and the staff for the correct and systematic steps that were taken to strengthen this institution,” Geladze said.

He pledged to continue supporting the reform process and said the agency would be further strengthened under his leadership.