Ivanishvili Resigns from GD, Leaves Politics

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the chairman of the Georgian Dream, is leaving politics. Ivanishvili addressed the public with an open letter about his decision.

"I made the decision to finally quit politics. I am leaving the post of party chairman, and I will return to my pre-2011 private lifestyle," he claims. 

Ivanishvili notes that "The ruling team is really the best and has no alternative among all political actors today."

"The ruling team is really the best and there is no alternative among all political actors today. I am convinced that a team of these people can replace my work, authority, and skills with dignity.

"Therefore, I believe that my mission has been fulfilled. I made the decision to finally quit politics. I am leaving the post of party chairman and I will return to my pre-2011 private lifestyle.

"In just a few weeks, I will turn sixty-five, and this is one of the most important factors in my decision to end my political career. Inspired by youth, this step of mine will not only not weaken, but I believe will further strengthen, make the ruling party more viable and motivated, encourage our supporters and make the government more energetic.

"I leave politics proud, victorious and grateful to the people. People were able to see the efforts I made only in the interests of the country and the state. I am sure that the Georgian people will also appreciate my current move, which is dictated by the same interests for which I came into politics," reads the letter.

By Ana Dumbadze