Prime Minister of Georgia introduced the newly-appointed Head of the State Security Service [SSSG], Geka Geladze, to the agency’s staff.

Irakli Kobakhidze highlighted Geka Geladze’s productive work during his tenure as Minister of Internal Affairs and wished him success in his new role as Head of the SSSG. The Prime Minister noted that Mamuka Mdinaradze will assume the position of State Minister for Coordination of Law-Enforcement Agencies and Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, formally carrying out a function he had previously performed from another position.

“This will strengthen both the structures and the work of the government as a whole. I want to thank Mamuka for the important work carried out during this period, as a result of which the SSSG has been significantly strengthened and continues to grow stronger. Through his advocacy, the agency’s budget has increased substantially-virtually doubling-which directly improves both the working conditions of the SSSG’s employees and its material and technical base.

I would like to officially introduce to you the new Head of the Service, Geka Geladze. I want to emphasize the numerous changes implemented within the Interior Ministry. Over the years, many problems had accumulated and you are well aware of Geka’s significant achievements across various key areas. We often speak about particularly challenging fields such as organized crime, drug-related crime and migration, where many reforms have been carried out. Approaches and policies have fundamentally changed and society can clearly see the results.

I would like to congratulate him on assuming the position of Head of the SSSG. He is not new to this institution and therefore has a thorough understanding of how the system operates. In general, when it comes to appointments within our government team, two criteria are decisive: professionalism-which is especially important in law enforcement agencies-and integrity. In this case as well, these two criteria were given particular consideration by the entire team when making personnel decisions. Today, we are pleased that law-enforcement agencies are led by individuals distinguished precisely by professionalism and integrity”, - said the Head of Government.

Mamuka Mdinaradze expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and wished success to the newly-appointed head of the agency. He will assume the position of State Minister for Coordination of Law-Enforcement Agencies and Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia:“Mr. Prime Minister, first of all, I would like to thank you for this success-one achieved not by Mamuka Mdinaradze alone, but by this entire team and made possible by your strong support. Without it, we would not have been able to accomplish this. This is a team whose tireless work has enabled us to speak about real achievements. This Service plays a special role not only in ensuring security, but also in the country's development and progress. I would like to personally thank you for the immense support you have shown during this period in strengthening the Service.

Today, when people speak about the strength of this institution, it is the result of the Government's and the Prime Minister's support, the unity of the team, a sense of shared purpose and professionalism. For that, I thank you and every employee.

Geka Geladze is someone who moved here from the position of Minister of Internal Affairs. Without exaggeration, his service in that role was impressive, as clearly seen by our society. His leadership and systemic management had a visible impact on the MIA. I am confident that under his leadership, this Service will grow even stronger in the future”, - noted Mamuka Mdinaradze.

Geka Geladze thanked Irakli Kobakhidze and the Parliament for the trust shown in him. He emphasized the achievements of the SSSG under Mamuka Mdinaradze’s leadership and wished him every success in his new position: “I would like to thank Mamuka Mdinaradze and wish him success. Today, this is a radically different institution-one that I found to be significantly stronger. I would like to thank you, your team and the staff for the sound, systemic approaches and steps that have been taken to strengthen this institution. Of course, I will be a strong supporter of the implementation of this reform process and this institution will be strengthened even further”.