PM-Designate: Kaladze to Retain Deputy PM’s Position

PM-designate Giorgi Kvirikashvili said on Sunday that energy minister Kakha Kaladze will retain position of deputy PM in his cabinet and the other vice premier’s position is likely to be held by economy minister Dimitri Kumsishvili.

Kvirikashvili was foreign minister and deputy PM in the cabinet led by Irakli Garibashvili, who announced resignation on December 23. Kvirikashvili plans no changes in the government, at least for now, and has nominated the same cabinet members for confirmation in the Parliament. The only newcomer in the cabinet will be first deputy foreign minister Mikheil Janelidze, whom Kvirikashvili has named as his replacement on the post of Foreign Minister.

“It is not ruled out that I will continue working with this existing team, but it is not ruled out either that I will make certain changes” in the future, Kvirikashvili told journalists in the ski resort of Bakuriani, where he attended an opening of new skiing infrastructure.

Meanwhile, President Giorgi Margvelashvili welcomed once again change of PM and nomination of Kvirikashvili as prime ministerial candidate.

“This is a right decision, which will be useful for the state,” President Margvelashvili said in an interview with Tbilisi-based Imedi TV on December 26.

Later during the same interview when he was speaking about the need to hold next year’s parliamentary elections in calm and competitive atmosphere, the President was asked if he’s hopeful that Kvirikashvili will be the PM, who can provide for such conditions in the lead up to and during the elections planned for next autumn. Margvelashvili responded: “The future head of the government, I think, is a very balanced person, who has… a clear vision about country’s foreign policy.”

Confirmation hearings in the Parliament will start on December 28 with the vote planned for December 29.

Parliamentary committee hearings, as well as PM-designate and his cabinet members’ meetings separately with lawmakers from opposition UNM party, Free Democrats opposition party and GD ruling coalition will be held from early afternoon till late Monday evening, followed by a parliamentary session, debates and the vote on Tuesday. 

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