Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has announced a government restructuring that will create a new State Minister for Regional Policy position, abolish the Ministry of Regional Development, and eliminate the post of State Minister for Law Enforcement Affairs.

Axar.az reports, citing Georgian media, that speaking at a briefing, Kobakhidze said Mamuka Mdinaradze will serve as State Minister for Regional Policy while retaining his role as Deputy Prime Minister.

“The State Minister for Regional Policy will be responsible for ensuring effective governance in the regions. Given the particular importance of this mission, we have decided to appoint one of the leaders of our team, Mamuka Mdinaradze, to this position,” Kobakhidze said.

The prime minister said Mdinaradze's recent work as State Minister for Law Enforcement Affairs had established an effective coordination system among law enforcement agencies, making the position unnecessary going forward.

“The work accomplished during this period makes it possible to ensure effective cooperation among law enforcement structures in the future—without the need for a dedicated post of State Minister for Law Enforcement Affairs,” he said.

Kobakhidze also announced that the Ministry of Regional Development will be dissolved in September, with its functions shifting under the new governance structure. Regional Development Minister Kakha Guledani will become First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure.