Another head of Georgia’s State Security Service resigns: what does it mean?

Georgia’s State Security Service chief Geladze resigns

Another head of Georgia’s State Security Service has resigned. On 14 September, Gela (Geka) Geladze announced on Facebook that he was stepping down.

Parliament approved his candidacy on 28 April 2026 for a six-year term, but he headed the State Security Service for less than five months.

The media and opposition link these personnel changes to the ongoing developments that began with Mamuka Mdinaradze’s sudden withdrawal from politics, although no one in the government has confirmed such a connection.

Geladze is described as a close friend of former Deputy Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze, whom he replaced in the post. Mdinaradze, who was considered one of the leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party, also headed the State Security Service for a short time before becoming deputy prime minister. He resigned and left politics altogether at the end of August.

“Following consultations with the political team, I will continue my work in another agency, where I will continue to serve the interests of our country and society with full responsibility,” Geladze wrote, without specifying where he would work next.

In his statement, Geladze thanked the “political team”, singling out Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

It remains unknown who will replace him as head of the State Security Service..

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Frequent changes in the State Security Service leadership

Parliament approved Gela Geladze as head of the State Security Service on 28 April 2026. Before that, he served as interior minister. His candidacy received the support of 85 MPs, while 12 voted against.

Over the past year and a half, he has become the fourth head of the security service to leave the post ahead of schedule.

• Grigol Liluashvili left his position as head of the State Security Service on 2 April 2025. He is currently in custody on bribery charges, which he denies.
• His successor, Anri Okhanashvili, served in the position for less than five months and resigned on 23 August 2025.
• Mamuka Mdinaradze took over on 3 September 2025, but left less than eight months later, on 21 April 2026.
• His successor, Gela Geladze, headed the law enforcement agency until 14 September.

Significantly, two prominent members of the ruling team at the Finance Ministry also left their posts just two days before Geladze’s resignation: Revenue Service head Mikheil Maghlakelidze and Investigative Service head Levan Kharabadze.

According to official information, Maghlakelidze resigned at his own request. No reason has been given for Kharabadze’s resignation.

Georgia’s State Security Service chief Geladze resigns