Georgia’s Defence Ministry lays off employees amid “reorganization”

The Ministry of Defense of Georgia has begun laying off employees as part of a broader reorganization, with many affected individuals reportedly having signed a petition in support of the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic course. A significant number of those dismissed since March 11 have received their education in the United States and Europe.

According to reports, at least a dozen employees from various departments were informed of their dismissal on February 23-24, with expectations that the process will continue. The reorganization was initially announced in January, following similar dismissals from other government agencies.

The petition, signed by approximately 60 Ministry employees in late 2024, followed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to postpone the next stage of EU membership negotiations by four years. The petition itself did not criticize the government but reaffirmed support for Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic trajectory, emphasizing adherence to Article 78 of the Constitution.

Despite the official rationale of optimization and reorganization, the dismissals have raised concerns over potential political motivations, particularly given the backgrounds and expressed views of those affected.