On April 2, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the Ministry of Regional Development has been established as an independent ministry and will be headed by Grigol Liluashvili.

During a briefing, Kobakhidze explained that local authorities' budgets, excluding Tbilisi, have grown to 4 billion GEL. This increase enhances their ability to implement socially important projects but also presents challenges in fulfilling these objectives. He emphasized the importance of effective planning and monitoring of regional development to ensure the country's balanced social and economic progress. The government has submitted a relevant bill to Parliament, which will be reviewed between April 15-18. Once the bill is adopted, Grigol Liluashvili, who is resigning as Head of the State Security Service of Georgia, will take up the position of Minister of Regional Development. Liluashvili, whose term was set to end in October, previously served as Chairman of the Regional Policy and Self-Government Committee in the Parliament of Georgia. Kobakhidze praised Liluashvili’s successful service in national security over the past six years and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the new ministry.

Kobakhidze also announced that Irakli Karseladze will continue as Minister of Infrastructure, while the candidacy of Anri Okhanashvili will be submitted to Parliament for the position of Head of the State Security Service of Georgia. Okhanashvili, a former MP and Chairman of the Legal Issues Committee, holds a PhD in law from Humboldt University in Berlin. The vote on his appointment will take place on Friday. The position of Justice Minister will be held by Paata Salia, an acting MP and distinguished lawyer with legal studies in both Georgia and the US. Kobakhidze extended his best wishes to Liluashvili, Okhanashvili, and Salia in their new roles.