Georgian Gov't creates standalone Regional Development Ministry, names Grigol Liluashvili as Minister

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the Ministry for Regional Development would be established as an independent body with Grigol Liluashvili, the current Head of the State Security Service, assuming the position of Minister.

In his remarks over the matter, Kobakhidze noted that one of the key missions of the new Ministry would be ensuring the maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness of regional development initiatives.

“With economic growth, local Government budgets have significantly increased, exceeding ₾4 billion, excluding Tbilisi. This enhances local authorities’ ability to implement important projects while also introducing new challenges in fulfilling their tasks. Therefore, efficient planning and monitoring of regional development are crucial for the country’s balanced social and economic progress. One of the main objectives of the Ministry will be ensuring the highest effectiveness of regional development initiatives”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze further highlighted that the Georgian Government had already drafted and submitted the relevant legislative proposal to the Parliament, and following consultations with the parliamentary majority, the bill was set to be adopted during the April 15-18 plenary session.

“Grigol Liluashvili will serve as Georgia’s Minister for Regional Development. As you know, his term [of the Head of the State Security Service] is set to expire in October, and under the law, he was not eligible for reappointment. He has stepped down as Head of the State Security Service and will assume the ministerial position once the legislation is enacted”, he continued.

Kobakhidze thanked Liluashvili for his successful tenure as Head of the State Security Service.

“Amid complex challenges, he played a crucial role in ensuring and strengthening Georgia’s national security over the past six years. I would also like to clarify that Irakli Karseladze will continue serving as Minister of Infrastructure”, Kobakhidze noted.