Georgian Culture Minister resigns due to health reasons
Tinatin Rukhadze
Photo: Georgian Government
Georgian Culture Minister Tinatin Rukhadze on Tuesday stepped down from her position, saying she requires a special course of medical treatment that will prevent her from fully carrying out her ministerial duties.
In her statement, Rukhadze said that the cultural sector requires constant attention and dedication, adding that she regrets being unable to devote herself fully to the role because of her health.
“After consulting with the Prime Minister, I have made the decision to leave the position of Minister of Culture. Due to my health condition, I will need to undergo a special course of treatment, because of which I will not be able to properly perform the duties of a minister. Culture is a field that requires special care and attention. I regret that my health condition does not allow me to devote the appropriate attention to the work that I love so much and that is the most precious to me”, Rukhadze said.
She also expressed gratitude to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for his trust, thanked members of the government for their support, and acknowledged the employees of the Ministry of Culture for their commitment and service.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the trust shown to me. I thank each member of the government for their support and solidarity. I thank everyone who supported our initiatives. Special thanks to each employee of the Ministry of Culture for their tireless work and loyal service. I remain your supporter and wish you success!”, the statement noted.
All News
28 July 2026, 21:56
Politics
Georgian Parliament official: equating foul language, bullying with freedom of speech absolutely unacceptable
Irakli Kadagishvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Regional Policy and Self-government Committee, on Tuesday said that putting an equality sign between foul language, bullying, the demoralisation of a person or society, and freedom of speech is absolutely unacceptable.
28 July 2026, 21:43
Society
Georgian Revenue Service highlights role of 36 specially trained service dogs in customs security
The Georgian Revenue Service on Tuesday said that canine officers and 36 specially trained service dogs were deployed across the country to detect narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursors, and smuggled tobacco products at customs checkpoints and Customs Clearance Zones.
28 July 2026, 21:26
Politics
Georgian Gov’t Administration Head: large-scale state internship programme with up to 3 000 vacancies to launch from September 1
The Georgian Government will launch a nationwide state internship programme starting from September 1, offering up to 3 000 positions across central government institutions and municipalities, said on Tuesday Levan Zhorzholiani, the Head of the Georgian Government Administration.
28 July 2026, 15:23
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official rejects US Embassy’s concerns: freedom of speech must not be confused with public insult
Levan Machavariani, the First Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the Parliament, on Tuesday responded to the US Embassy’s statement expressing concern over the Georgian Government’s Hate Speech Monitoring Unit, saying that there is a significant difference between freedom of speech and public insult.
28 July 2026, 13:47
Culture
Georgian Agriculture Minister, International Sommelier Guild President discuss strengthening global presence of Georgian wine
A new initiative aimed at strengthening the global presence of Georgian wine was discussed on Tuesday in a meeting between Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songulashvili and Joseph Miller, President of the International Sommelier Guild (ISG).
28 July 2026, 13:47
Justice
Georgian police arrest 27 over ties to criminal underworld, charges filed against six more, including one ‘thief-in-law’
Georgia’s Interior Ministry on Tuesday reported that its officers have arrested 27 individuals linked to the country’s criminal underworld, while charges will be brought against six others, including one alleged “thief-in-law” currently abroad.
28 July 2026, 11:22
Politics
Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker: EU bureaucracy seeks two-tier Union of decision-makers and followers
Nino Tsilosani, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday criticised Germany’s proposal to abandon unanimity in EU decision-making, arguing it would undermine the sovereignty of smaller member states.
28 July 2026, 11:19
Foreign policy
Georgian Parliament official says Germany-backed voting reform could turn EU into Soviet Union
Davit Matikashvili, the Chair of the Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday said the process of transforming the European Union into a “Soviet Union” had accelerated, commenting on Germany's proposal to abolish the consensus-based decision-making system within the bloc.
27 July 2026, 22:54
Foreign policy
Chinese Ambassador: significant achievements in China-Georgia relations have been made possible because both countries remain committed to principles of mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation
Zhou Qian, the Ambassador of China to Georgia, on Monday thanked the Government of Georgia for fruitful cooperation and noted that he would continue to support the deepening of bilateral relations in the future.
27 July 2026, 22:47
Foreign policy
Georgian PM: we highly appreciate that China has constantly engaged with Georgia as equal and respected partner - at a time when international relations are too often marked by double standards, this approach deserves particular recognition
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday attended an event marking the conclusion of the diplomatic mission of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
27 July 2026, 15:21
Politics
Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker warns EU voting reform could create “privileged and non-privileged” members
Nino Tsilosani, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Monday criticised Germany’s proposal to abandon unanimity in EU decision-making, saying it could lead to a division of the bloc into “privileged and non-privileged” members and would be unacceptable for sovereign states such as Georgia.
27 July 2026, 14:47
Politics
“EU bureaucracy taking path of Sovietisation” - Georgian Parliament official criticises German push to scrap EU veto right
Archil Gorduladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, on Monday criticised Germany's initiative to abolish the veto right in the European Union, claiming the current EU bureaucracy was following the path of the Soviet Union.
27 July 2026, 13:22
Justice
Georgian Prosecutor’s Office uncovers transnational crime network, charges four foreign citizens and five legal entities
The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has uncovered transnational crimes and has launched criminal proceedings against four foreign nationals and five legal entities on charges of transnational crime and money laundering involving particularly large amounts.
27 July 2026, 12:14
Economy
Georgia’s transport sector delivers record-breaking performance in Q1 2026
Georgia's Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development on Monday reported that the country's transport sector had posted record-breaking results in the first six months of 2026.
27 July 2026, 12:12
Politics
Georgia’s railway freight turnover up 10% in H1, says Deputy Economy Minister
Tamar Ioseliani, the Georgian Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, on Sunday said that freight turnover on Georgia’s railway network increased by approximately 10 percent in the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year, marking a record performance.
27 July 2026, 11:36
Politics
Georgian Parliament Speaker warns of fundamental shift if EU consensus mechanism scrapped
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday said there was a growing impression that Europe’s major powers were seeking to reshape the European Union in a way that would weaken the position of smaller member states, warning that abolishing the bloc’s consensus-based decision-making system would fundamentally alter the nature of the EU and undermine the sovereignty of smaller countries.
27 July 2026, 11:31
Politics
Georgian Parliament Speaker says EU accession must mean equal membership, not surrender of sovereignty
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday said that the key question regarding the country’s European integration is not only when Georgia could join the European Union, but also which European Union it is being invited to join, with what rights and whether it would enjoy equal member status.
26 July 2026, 17:10
Politics
Georgian Parliament Speaker: Kulevi oil refinery decision shows Brussels ready to exert illegal pressure on businesses
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Saturday said that the European Union’s decision to include the Kulevi oil refinery in its 21st sanctions package confirms that Brussels was prepared to exert what he described as illegal pressure on businesses.
26 July 2026, 16:49
Politics
Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia must invest in technology to ensure rapid, sustainable economic development
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Saturday said that investment in technology and innovation is essential for Georgia to achieve rapid and sustainable economic growth.