Georgian Dream Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili has been removed from his post and replaced by his deputy Mariam Kvrivishvili, GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at a June 24 briefing.
Davitashvili, who has been Georgia’s Economy Minister since 2022, will now serve as Kobakhidze’s chief adviser on economic affairs and as Secretary of the Economic Council, a coordinating body chaired by the Prime Minister.
“Leading the ministry is associated with a demanding routine,” Kobakhidze said, adding that “relieving” Davitashvili of the role would allow him “to more effectively ensure continued rapid economic growth, attract investments, and carry out other practical tasks.” He then introduced the new minister, Mariam Kvrivishvili, and wished her success in her new capacity.
Davitashvili thanked Kobakhidze for their work together, saying he hoped that “in a new format, we will be able to further accelerate and coordinate the important strategic projects that are crucial for the country’s continued development.”
He also thanked Georgian Dream founder and Honorary Chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili, saying he had given him a “unique chance” to serve in senior positions. Davitashvili also wished Mariam Kvrivishvili success in her new role.
The changes come amid a broader months-long reshuffle within Georgian Dream, during which several longtime party figures and ministers have left their posts.
- 28/05/2025 – GD Interior Minister Gomelauri Resigns
- 25/04/2025 – GD Chairman Garibashvili Quits Politics, Stresses Loyalty to Ivanishvili
- 04/04/2025 – GD Drops Security Chief Liluashvili as Minister Pick
Notably, Davitashvili has recently paid an official visit to the United States, where he met with the representatives of the U.S. State Department, among others. The visit came amid strained ties between Washington and Tbilisi, and the Georgian Dream’s declared wish to reset relations.
“They even cut off the last connection with the Americans and the European Union,” said former Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli, reacting to Davitashvili’s removal. “The only person in the government whom anyone would talk to is leaving,” she said in a Facebook post.
The new Georgian Dream Economy Minister, Mariam Kvrivishvili, 35, has served as Deputy Economy Minister since 2021. Ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections, she was number 12 on the party’s list of MP candidates and is also a member of Georgian Dream’s Political Council.
Davitashvili’s reassignment also follows the arrest and criminal investigation of former First Deputy Economy Minister Romeo Mikautadze, who was charged with money laundering and abuse of power. Mikautadze served under Davitashvili, among others.
On June 23, when asked about Mikautadze’s alleged elite corruption cases and whether Davitashvili or other senior officials were questioned, Irakli Kobakhidze said, “The investigation concerns the activities of a specific individual within the Ministry of Economy. As for Davitashvili, no one questions his integrity.”
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