BREAKING: Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili Resigns
Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, one of youngest state leaders in the world, resigned after three years of ruling the Georgian government.
“Nothing is forever except the Lord and the homeland,” Garibashvili said during his televised speech, which was closed for the media.
“I was honored to be part of the team, which carried out many changes and reforms in favor of the country,” he said and confirmed his resignation.
Garibashvili did not name his successor, however local Georgian TV stations released information stating that Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the country’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will replace Garibashvili following his resignation.
There are no apparent reasons for the PM’s resignation. Garibashvili presented his government’s 3-year Progress Report only two days ago and enjoyed his team’s success on Georgia’s visa liberalization with the EU last week.
Garibashvili entered politics with his long-time associate, Georgian tycoon and former Prime Minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in October, 2012. Garibashvili also served as Minister of Internal Affairs from 2012 to 2013.
Ivanishvili named Garibashvili as his successor as Prime Minister when he voluntarily stepped down in November, 2013.
At 33 years old, he is the 2nd youngest state leader in the world after Kim Jong-un.