**Georgia‘s New Cabinet Wins Vote of Confidence**
On November 28, the Georgian Parliament voted in favor of the new cabinet. The vote was a formality since only one party, the ruling Georgian Dream (GD), is represented in Parliament.
The GD members were chosen for the new cabinet by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. He introduced his team to the parliament, highlighting their qualifications and experience. The following are the new ministers:
* Levan Davitashvili – First Deputy Prime Minister; Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development
* Irakli Karseladze – Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure
* Lasha Khutsishvili – Minister of Finance
* Davit Songulashvili – Minister of Environment Protection
* Vakhtang Gomelauri – Minister of Internal Affairs
* Irakli Chikovani – Deputy Prime Minister; Minister of Defense
* Anri Okhanashvili – Minister of Justice
* Tea Akhvlediani – Minister of State for Reconciliation and Civil Equality
* Mikheil Sarjveladze – Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs
* Aleksandre Tsuladze – Minister of Education and Science
* Tinatin Rukhadze – Minister of Culture and Sport (with a new Ministry of Sports to be created soon)
* Maka Botchorishvili – Minister of Foreign Affairs
Three of the ministers are new to the cabinet, including those for Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Environment.
**Prime Minister’s Goals**
The Prime Minister outlined his goals for the country. He stated that his government aims to maintain peace in Georgia, defend national interests with dignity, and enhance prosperity for the country. He emphasized the importance of dignity in these efforts.
Kobakhidze also discussed the country’s bid to join the European Union (EU). He acknowledged that this process will be difficult but expressed readiness to meet EU conditions. However, he noted that there are limits on how far Georgia can compromise on its national interests and values.
In turn, the Prime Minister set conditions for the EU regarding Georgia’s peaceful integration into Europe. He emphasized that the EU must respect Georgian dignity and traditional values in order to facilitate a successful transition.