Governors of eastern Georgian regions of Shida Kartli and Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kakha Samkharadze and Akaki Matchutadze, respectively, have switched places.

Matchutadze was appointed to the post in December 2013 by then Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, while Samkharadze was appointed by incumbent Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili in February 2017.

The new governors have already been introduced to their staff and local administrations.

Unlike heads (Gamgebeli) of municipalities, who are directly elected since 2014, provincial governors are appointed by prime minister.