Georgian president names new PM

Source: CCTV.com | 11-17-2007 11:14

Lado Gurgenidze, chairman of the Bank of Georgia's supervisory board, is named as new Prime Minister Friday. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili (L) speaks as Lado Gurgenidze (R) is named the new prime minister during a news briefing in Tbilisi Nov. 16, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has nominated an influential banker as Prime Minister. Saakashvili dismissed Zurab Nogaideli and his government on Friday. The move is seen as a populist gesture to win votes ahead of a presidential election.

The announcement came shortly after Georgia lifted a state of emergency. Saakashvili nominated Vladimir Gurgenidze as prime minister and charged him with solving Georgia's social and economic problems.

The 37-year-old Gurgenidze is chairman of the board at the Commercial Bank of Georgia. The Parliament is dominated by Saakashvili's supporters who are expected to quickly approve the nomination.

Editor:Xiong Qu