**Georgian Ruling Party Tightens Grip on Regions Ahead of Local Elections**
In a move seen as an effort to consolidate power ahead of local elections in October, the Georgian Dream (GD) ruling party has appointed new governors for five regions of Georgia. The appointments were made by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and follow a decision to split the Ministry of Regional Development from the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure.
The newly appointed governors are: Aleksandre Zagashvili in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Simon Guledani in Shida Kartli, Zaal Gelashvili in Samtkhe-Javakheti, Giorgi Ghurjumelidze in Guria, and Levan Kharabadze, who replaces himself as Governor of Kvemo Kartli. These appointments have raised suspicions among critics that the GD is trying to exert greater control over the regions through its loyal appointees.
The decision to split the Ministry of Regional Development from the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure was seen as a move to tighten the GD’s grip on the regions ahead of local elections in October. The initial plan was for outgoing state security chief Grigol Liluashvili to head the newly created Ministry of Regional Development, but after a reported disagreement, Kakhaber Guledani was named instead.
**Who Are the New Governors?**
The new governors have varied backgrounds:
* Aleksandre Zagashvili, governor of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, has experience in both public and private sectors, having served as mayor of Kazbegi municipality from 2017-2021.
* Simon Guledani, governor of Shida Kartli, was until now the first deputy mayor of Gori, with various positions held in municipalities such as Kaspi, Kareli, and Khashuri.
* Zaal Gelashvili, governor of Samtkhe-Javakheti, has served as head of the supervisory office of the LtD Bakuriani Development Agency and has experience in the General Inspection Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
* Giorgi Ghurjumelidze, governor of Guria, was first deputy mayor of Ozurgeti municipality from 2021, with positions held as deputy governor and deputy chairman of Ozurgeti City Hall (Sakrebulo).
* Levan Kharabadze, governor of Kvemo Kartli, has been replaced by himself, having served as Governor of Shida Kartli until today. He also holds experience in law enforcement.
The appointments have raised concerns about the GD’s intentions ahead of local elections and their impact on regional development projects. Critics argue that these moves are aimed at consolidating power and maintaining control over the regions.
Read More @ civil.ge
