MIA dismisses rumors it plans on firing its staff
By Tea Mariamidze
Tuesday, February 3
Deputy Interior Minister Archil Talakvadze dismissed media speculation that the current Internal Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri had demanded a list of ministry staff who were affiliated with the former government, in order to terminate their employment.
“Mr. Gomelauri is not the kind of minister who uses lists for communication with his employees and creating solutions,” Talakvadze stated, stressing that their employees would be dismissed only if they are connected to crimes.
Members of the United National Movement stated that the powerful police system created by the UNM was at risk.
“The ministry faces a serious collapse. If they fire the qualified staff, the destruction process will be sped-up,” UNM MP Giorgi Vashadze said.
Meanwhile, the representatives of the opposition Free Democrats have suggested that the ministry should be purged of the old staff that were involved in various wrongdoings.
“However, this process is not enough. The government announced systemic changes in the ministry and in the Prosecutor’s Office. The modification is vitally important. Unfortunately, the government is late in fulfilling its promises,” MP Zurab Abashidze said.
Analyst Levan Alapishvili shares the vision that systemic changes are necessary in the Internal Ministry (MIA) and in the Prosecutor’s Office.
“Currently the Internal Ministry is a huge body with multiple obligations. The functions should be separated and the MIA should be focused on protecting the safety of its citizens,” Alapishvili said.
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili stated on December 10 that the time has come for launching reforms in the MIA. The PM announced the possible separation of the security and intelligences agencies from the ministry.
Gharibashvili stressed that he has instructed the new secretary of the State Security and Crisis Management Council to immediately set up a working group with the participation of parliament and the non-governmental sector.
