Government Unveils Details of Structural Reforms

Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili presented to the Parliamentary session today the draft of reform of the executive government, considering reshuffle of the ministries and state departments, as well as outlining the rule of activity of the cabinet of ministers, which will be set up in coming days.

According to the draft, which is being discussed by the Parliament, the number of ministries will be reduced from 16 to 15, while 16 state departments, which currently are independent state agencies, will be merged to the relevant ministries.

The Ministry of Construction and Urbanization will be merged to the Transport and Communications Ministry, which will be called the Infrastructure and Development Ministry.  

Remaining 14 ministries are: Defense Ministry, Interior Ministry, Security Ministry, Justice Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Economy, Finance Ministry, Ministry for Refugees and Accommodation, Agriculture Ministry, Environment Ministry, Ministry of Culture and Sport, Ministry of Education and Science, Healthcare Ministry, Energy Ministry.

The Intelligence Department will be under the Security Ministry’s subordination, while the Border Guard Department will be merged into the Interior Ministry.

In addition new structure – Financial Police – will be set up under the Finance Ministry subordination, which will be a key agency to fight the economic and financial crimes.

Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili also said that according to the reforms “the flexible system of governance will be created.”

“The cabinet of ministers will be a key body in this structure. Decisions by the cabinet will be taken by voting. The cabinet’s sittings will be held beyond the closed doors,” the Justice Minister told the lawmakers.