Georgian PM presents new Head of State Security Service, announces key Gov’t appointments

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday introduced Geka Geladze as the new head of the state security service, while also announcing Mamuka Mdinaradze’s appointment as state minister for the coordination of law enforcement agencies and vice prime minister.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze highlighted Geladze’s previous work as minister of internal affairs and wished him success in his new role.

“This will strengthen the work of the structures and the government as a whole. I would like to thank Mr. Mamuka for the important work carried out during this period, as a result of which the state security service has been qualitatively strengthened and continues to grow stronger. With his advocacy, the agency’s budget has significantly increased - practically doubled - which directly affects both the improvement of working conditions for employees and the enhancement of the agency’s material and technical base. I would like to officially introduce the new head of the service, Mr. Geka Geladze”, he said.

The prime minister also praised Geladze’s achievements at the ministry of internal affairs, particularly in addressing organised crime, drug-related offences, and illegal migration.

“I would also like to emphasise the numerous changes implemented within the ministry of internal affairs. Over the years, many problems had accumulated, and you know how significant Mr. Geka’s achievements were in various key areas. We often talk about difficult areas such as organised crime, drug-related crime, and migration - many changes have been made in these fields. Approaches and policies have fundamentally changed, and the public can see the results. I would like to congratulate him on assuming the position of head of the state security service. He is not new to this system and therefore knows very well how it operates”, he noted.

“In general, when it comes to our governing team, two criteria are decisive in appointments: professionalism - especially important in law enforcement - and integrity. In this case as well, these two criteria were given particular attention in making personnel decisions. Today, we are pleased that the heads of law enforcement agencies are individuals distinguished by professionalism and integrity”, Kobakhidze continued.

In his remarks, Mdinaradze thanked the prime minister and highlighted the collective efforts of the team.

“First of all, thank you for this success - not achieved by Mamuka Mdinaradze personally, but by this team, and for your strong support. Without that, we would not have succeeded. This is a team whose tireless work has allowed us to speak of real achievements. This service plays a special role not only in security but also in the country’s development and progress. Thank you personally for the tremendous support that helped strengthen this agency. If today anyone speaks about the strength of this service, it is due to the government’s support, the prime minister’s backing, team unity, a sense of solidarity, and professionalism”, Mdinaradze said.

He also expressed confidence in Geladze’s leadership, noting that his previous work as minister of Internal Affairs had left a visible impact and that the agency would continue to grow stronger under his guidance.

“Geka Geladze is a person who came here from the post of minister of Internal Affairs. Without exaggeration, his work in that role was impressive, and the public saw this clearly. His leadership and systemic management left a visible mark on the Ministry of Internal Affairs. I am confident that under his leadership, this service will become even stronger”, he concluded.

In his turn, Geladze expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the government and parliament.

“I would like to thank Mamuka Mdinaradze and wish him success. Today, this is a radically different institution - it is much stronger than I found it, and I thank you, your team, and the employees for the correct, systemic approaches and steps taken to strengthen this institution. Of course, I will be a strong supporter of continuing these reforms, and this institution will become even stronger”, Geladze said.