FEBRUARY 3, 2025 — The Georgian government is set to establish a new State Symbols Department, which will replace the existing Heraldic Council under the Parliament, reports 1TV.GE.
The decision, approved by the Procedural Issues and Rules Committee, will take effect on March 10, 2025.
The newly formed State Symbols Department will be a public legal entity under the authority of the Government of Georgia, rather than the Parliament. Its structure and budget will be transferred from the Heraldic Council, ensuring continuity in its functions. Employees of the Heraldic Council will be reappointed without a competitive selection process.
According to Business Media Georgia, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who introduced the legislative amendments, stated that the transition aims to provide a clearer legal framework for the regulation of state symbols. He noted that the Heraldic Council previously lacked independent legal status, and the reform would enhance its authority and bring all state symbol regulations under a unified government framework.
The State Symbols Department will be responsible for developing and overseeing regulations related to national symbols, advising on the design and use of official emblems, supporting local governments in creating and approving their heraldic symbols and providing recommendations on ceremonial and military insignia.
Image: Roberto Strauss, CC BY 2.0
