Georgian lawmakers approve new cabinet lineup

The Georgian parliament on Thursday confirmed the formation of the new government of the South Caucasus country of Georgia by a confidence vote. The newly-elected legislature voted 88 to 54 to confirm the cabinet lineup presented to the lawmakers by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. The list of cabinet ministers and state ministers was re- presented to the plenary session of the 150-seat legislature Thursday by Parliamentary Secretary Irakli Gordulaedze. The legislature needed 50 percent plus 1 or 76 seats to confirm the formation of the new government. The new cabinet is to be led by election coalition Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, who was on Thursday confirmed by parliament as the prime minister. His election coalition consists of Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia, Republican Party of Georgia, Our Georiga-Free Democrats, National Forum, Conservative Party of Georgia and Industry Will Save Georgia. Irakli Alasania, will serve as Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister, while Maia Panjikidze from the Georgian Dream- Democratic Georgia will be the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. Giorgi Kvirikashvili is the new Minister of Economy, while Nodar Khaduri from the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia will serve as Minister of Finance. Kakha Kaladze will be the Minister of Energy, also Deputy Prime Minister.