Former PM Garibashvili Returns to Politics

Georgia’s ex-Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who was the PM from November 20, 2013 until his resignation on December 29, 2015, has decided to return to the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party.

This time, Garibashvili will take the post of Political Secretary of the GD.

An official statement on behalf of the party was made on Tuesday by the party’s Secretary General and Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze.

Dimitry Khundadze, majority MP, said Garibashvili’s return means a serious backup.

“Irakli Garibashvili is our friend and colleague. His return to the party will enforce the feeling that Georgian Dream is united. His return will make the work stronger and more efficient,” Khundadze said.

Analyst Khatuna Lagazidze says Garibashvili decided to return to GD during very hard times for the party when some members decided to quit.

She assumes that the return of the old member will lead to some important changes within the team.

Garibashvili entered politics with his long-time associate and founder of the GD, Bidzina Ivanishvili in October 2012. He served as Minister of Internal Affairs in the cabinet of Bidzina Ivanishvili from 2012 to 2013. Ivanishvili named Garibashvili as his successor as Prime Minister when he voluntarily stepped down in November 2013.  

Ex-PM decided to resign unexpectedly in December 2015 without making any concrete explanations. After his resignation, the cabinet was headed by former Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who left the post after a disagreement with Ivanishvili last summer.

By Thea Morrison