Ruling party Executive Secretary denies ‘rumours’ of ministerial appointment

A senior official from Georgia’s ruling party has dismissed reports suggesting he is set to become the country’s next Minister of Internal Affairs.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream and parliamentary leader of the party, on Tuesday rejected the claims as “rumours” circulated by what he described as a “gossipy” media outlet.

Earlier this week, the Georgian, opposition-leaning broadcaster Formula TV reported that Mdinaradze was being considered as a replacement for current Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri.

“Please, do not follow the rumours,” Mdinaradze told journalists. “There is such a TV station, Formula, which is one of the most gossipy. I have also heard these rumours, and they have spread them further. I tell you with full responsibility – this is a rumour that will not be continued”, Mdinaradze claimed.

Responding to a question about whether such a decision could have been made without his knowledge, Mdinaradze compared the notion to someone being told their fate was being decided without them knowing, dismissing it as implausible.

He further stressed that there had been no internal discussion over his appointment to the ministry. Even if such an offer were made, he said he would not be able to accept it, citing his “extensive responsibilities” within both parliament and the party.