Media Speculates on Wider Cabinet Reshuffle

Lexo Alexishvili, the finance minister, may also lose his post in the cabinet reshuffle, Georgian media sources have suggested a few hours ahead of a planned news conference by PM Zurab Nogaideli.

Alexishvili, according to these reports, may replace Roman Gotsiridze as the president of the National Bank of Georgia.

Some reports also say that structural changes may also carried out involving merger of the energy and economy ministries. If conformed, energy minister Nika Gilauri may replace finance minister, Alexishvili.

Speculation also involves possible dismissal of Gia Kheviashvili, minister for refugee and accommodation, as well as dismissal of Gia Kavtaradze, justice minister, who reportedly will be replaced by Nika Gvaramia, deputy chief prosecutor.

Other reports, however, suggest that Chairperson of the Court of Appeals, Eka Tkeshelashvili is slated to replace Kavtaradze, while the latter will become a new minister for refugees and accommodation.

Officials have so far only confirmed the dismissal of Lado Chipashvili, the minister for healthcare, labor and social welfare. The president?s spokesperson, Dimitri Kitoshvili, said on August 29 that Chipashvili would be replaced by the current minister of environment, Davit Tkeshelashvili, whose position would in turn be filled by his deputy, Davit Chantladze. Chipashvili, he said, would be appointed as Georgia?s ambassador to the Czech Republic. 

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