Saakashvili Outlines Priorities

Saakashvili wants Zhvania as Prime Minister

Mikheil Saakashvili, who according to the exit poll and parallel vote tabulation secured up to 90% of votes in Sunday’s presidential polls, outlined on January 4 his priorities, which would top the agenda from the very first days after he takes over the President’s office.

“The primary tasks to be implemented from the first days of my presidency include introduction of a Prime Minister’s post, appointment of a date for parliamentary elections and implementation of anti-corruption measures in the country,” Saakashvili said at a news briefing after the announcement of the exit poll results.

He said that the introduction of the cabinet of ministers with the Prime Minister’s position would help“to establish a more flexible system of governance.” He said that State Minister Zurab Zhvania, who along with Saakashvili led the street protests that resulted in ouster of Eduard Shevardnadze, will be nominated for the Prime Minster’s post. 

Saakashvili said as the appointments to the ministerial positions were made after the opposition took power, no significant reshuffle of the government is anticipated after him assuming the office. “I cannot say yet, which official or minister will keep the posts during my presidency. Minor staff changes will be made, but these reshuffles will not be wide-scale. Those, who perform their duties, will keep their posts,” Saakashvili stated.