Mdinaradze to Lead New Regional Policy Portfolio as GD Plans Government Restructuring
By Messenger Staff
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Mamuka Mdinaradze will become Georgia's new State Minister for Regional Policy under a government restructuring that will also abolish his current post and dissolve the Ministry of Regional Development, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on July 29.
The changes, which require legislative approval, are expected to be considered by the Georgian Dream-majority parliament when it reconvenes for its fall session in early September.
Speaking at the Government Administration alongside Mdinaradze, Kobakhidze said the government had decided to reorganize its approach to regional governance by creating a new state minister position focused on regional policy.
"Today, one of the state's most important challenges and tasks is strengthening regional policy," Kobakhidze said. "The State Minister for Regional Policy will be responsible for ensuring effective governance in the regions."
He said Mdinaradze had been chosen because of the importance of the role.
The restructuring will also bring an end to the office of the State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Bodies, a position created in April and currently held by Mdinaradze. Kobakhidze said the coordination mechanisms established over the past several months would continue to function without a separate state minister overseeing them.
The creation of the new portfolio will also make the Ministry of Regional Development unnecessary, Kobakhidze said, adding that it would be abolished once the changes take effect.
Until then, Mdinaradze will temporarily take over as regional development minister. His current post will remain vacant before it is formally eliminated in September.
Kobakhidze asked parliament to adopt the necessary legislative amendments under an accelerated procedure after lawmakers return from recess.
Regional Development Minister Kakhaber Guledani will become first deputy minister of infrastructure following the restructuring. Kobakhidze thanked him for his work, describing his service as "highly professional" and "conscientious."
Addressing the briefing after the announcement, Mdinaradze briefly accepted the appointment.
"Challenge accepted," he said, adding that he viewed the new position as "a great honour" and "a great challenge."
Mdinaradze has served as deputy prime minister and state minister for coordination of law enforcement bodies since April. Before joining the government, he headed the State Security Service from September 2025. Prior to that, he served as Georgian Dream's parliamentary majority leader.
The announcement comes a day after Culture Minister Tinatin (Tika) Rukhadze resigned, citing health reasons and the need to undergo urgent medical treatment.
