Parliament’s Defence Committee chair appointed Georgia’s intelligence service chief

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgia has appointed Irakli Beraia as the new head of the Georgian Intelligence Service. The decree, signed earlier on Friday, was promptly published on the government administration website.

Beraia, who currently serves as the chairman of the Defence Committee of the Parliament of Georgia representing the ruling party, Georgian Dream, will conclude his tenure as an MP at the upcoming plenary session, in accordance with Georgian legislation.

The decision to appoint Beraia follows the recent dismissal of Major General Shalva Lomidze from his position as head of the intelligence service.

Beraia was involved in an incident in the legislative body on October 31, 2023, where he made disparaging remarks directed at opposition MP Teona Akubardia, who serves as his deputy in the Defence Committee. Despite opposition calls for his removal, the majority did not support such action.