Opinions vary over government re-shuffle

Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili’s statement regarding the cabinet reshuffle was followed by controversial remarks. Georgian Dream representatives supported the changes. However, they spoke about the changes in a cautious manner. The United National Movement (UNM) opposition labeled the changes as senseless. Analysts meanwhile want to go deeper in order to grasp the logical aspect of the solution.

Speculation over the possible changes had existed before the local elections were conducted. The PM, for instance, mentioned that he was not happy with the performance of certain ministers. The media was particularly critical of the government’s economic team, but the turnout outcome was different. Seven ministers were removed. Two of them changed ministries, whereas five left the cabinet. The PM stated that the results of the local elections and the signing of the Association Agreement (AA) with EU put new challenges before the government, and therefore such a reshuffle became inevitable.

There is further speculation over the procedure. Some think that the PM should also resign. However, it is unlikely Gharibashvili will leave. After the nomination of candidates, the president should present a list of ministers to the parliament and ask the MPs to confirm it.

While proposing these changes, PM Gharibashvili completely excluded snap parliamentary elections, stressing that there were enough elections in the country and that the following elections will be held in 2016 as was scheduled.

There is no criticism with regard to the fired ministers. Majority members stated that all the ministers did their best in the time they had. However, the UNM keeps claiming that all the changes in the country are simply ordered by former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Analysts are stating that everything will be clearer when the new cabinet is confirmed and new ministers begin to fulfill their duties.