Georgian Dream Chair Irakli Garibashvili resigns, announces departure from politics

Irakli Garibashvili, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday announced that he was stepping down from his position and leaving politics.

In his remarks, Garibashvili emphasised that although he would no longer be involved in political life, he remained a supporter of the Georgian Dream party and loyal to its values.

“I would like to inform you about my decision to leave politics. As you know, in recent weeks there have been ongoing speculations about my political future, so I feel obligated to give a clear and comprehensive response to the public”, he said.

“Every step I have taken in politics has been based on the goal of serving our country and people, and strengthening our state. My main motivation has always been love for my homeland and a sincere desire to contribute to its development”, Garibashvili continued.

Garibashvili further reflected on the privilege of working with the party’s team to advance peace, stability, and progress in the country.

“Since October 2012, I have had the honor of working alongside Mr. Ivanishvili’s team to ensure peace, stability, and development in Georgia and to defend the sovereignty and interests of our country”, he noted.

“I take pride in the work we have done and the challenges we have overcome together. Alongside rapid economic growth, we ensured peace, stability, and progress. We strengthened the state’s sovereignty and independence. In every position, I have faithfully and uncompromisingly defended Georgia’s national interests. I believe I have fulfilled my duty to the country, the people, and the party”, the official said.

Garibasvili further highlighted the role of the party’s founder Bidzina Ivanishvili in this process.

“Today, the Georgian Dream has become a unified and strong political force, largely thanks to its founder and Honorary Chair, Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili, who remains a guarantor of peace and stability in the country. At a critical moment, he unified the team and led the party in protecting the country from serious threats. Under his leadership, Georgia was saved and real progress achieved in every area”, he noted.

“In this context, I believe I have fulfilled the honourable mission entrusted to me upon returning to politics - first as Minister of Defence, then again as Prime Minister, and finally as party Chair. I no longer see the need to remain in politics, which is why I have decided to step down from the party leadership and political life, and continue serving my country from a different position”, he said.

Garibashvili emphasised that he remained fully committed to the ideals and values of the October 1, 2012 victory - principles that, according to him, have defined his entire political career, stressing “I remain a loyal soldier of Mr. Ivanishvili’s team and Georgia”.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili for giving me the unique opportunity to serve my country in the highest political positions. I believe that the Georgian Dream, under Mr. Ivanishvili’s leadership, will continue to lead the country toward safety, protect national interests, ensure a European future, and create real conditions for peacefully restoring territorial integrity and sustainable development”, Garibashvili concluded.