Public Administration Reform in Georgia and Latest Changes

The event was opened by Mr. Marcel Röthig, Director of the South Caucasus Representation of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. The study was presented by the author, Dr. Ekaterine Kardava.

Public administration has a direct impact on the daily lives of individuals. It largely determines citizens’ attitudes toward the state apparatus. Public administration is characterized by continuity (regardless of changes in political governance), as it performs the functions defined by the Constitution of Georgia and the relevant normative acts. The principal and central actor in the implementation of public administration is the public officer. 

In Georgia, the legal foundations of public administration and the legal status of the public officer are defined by the Law of Georgia “On Public Service.” This law was adopted in 2015, having declared the objectives and principles of ensuring the democratic nature of public administration and the stability, professionalism, and political neutrality of public officers. Since December 2024, a series of legislative amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Public Service” has commenced, which has led to divergent reactions within society and raised legitimate questions. This issue required academic and legal analysis. Therefore, the research action has been conducted. The study document presents the outcomes based on the principles of transparency, impartiality, and objectivity.