Garibashvili’s resignation was not unexpected, says Georgia’s Defence Minister
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Georgia’s Minister of Defence Titantin Khidasheli says last night’s resignation of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili was not completely unexpected, as he had achieved all his goals he set and had "paved the way for a new leader, for new blood” to lead the country.
In a late night comment about Garibashvili’s resignation, Khidasheli stressed Garibashvili’s action of stepping down needed to be appreciated as it showed he, and other former top officials had a "healthy attitude about their titles”.
The Defence Minister added Garibashvili’s resignation was not completely unexpected for her; she was aware the former Prime Minister "was thinking about” stepping down.
Irakli had a wish to show the public that it was not important how old a person is, what post they have or how influential they are. … He believed that when a person realised he had fulfilled his tasks and achieved his goals he could be comfortable to leave the arena for a new person to step in.”
I believe that the positive report on visa liberation for Georgia delivered by the European Commission a couple of days ago played a crucial role in why Garibashvili decided to announce his resignation,” Khidasheli added.
The Minister noted now it was up to the Parliamentary Majority to name the new candidate for the Prime Minister’s post.
Yesterday majority leader Zviad Kvachantiradze said the majority would name their chosen candidate tomorrow, Friday December 25.
Learn more about what happens when a Prime Minister resigns here.
Irakli Garibashvili announced he was stepping down as Georgia’s Prime Minister at 8pm this evening. He stood on the veranda of the Government Administration’s building, overlooking Tbilisi at night.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has resigned. Garibashvili made the announcement about his surprise resignation at 8pm this evening. He addressed the nation from the Government Administration's building.
Highlights of his term in power
Signing an Association Agreement (AA) with the European Union (EU) – one step closer to EU membership - was the country’s top achievement during Irakli Garibashvili’s term as the country’s Prime Minister.
"We do not need everlasting Prime Ministers, Parliament Speakers or Presidents in power,” says Georgia's Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili while assessing the shock resignation of Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced his resignation tonight at a special briefing in the Georgian Government’s Administration building at 8pm (Tbilisi local time). Below is a live Twitter feed displaying the discussion of this news by Twitter users all over the globe.
According to Georgian legislation, when a Prime Minister resigns constitutional procedures must be followed.
Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili supports the proposed candidate for Prime Minister – Giorgi Kvirikashvili - who was selected by the Parliamentary Majority today.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who served as Georgia’s Foreign Minister then was names as the Parliamentary Majority’s candidate for the Prime Minister’s post, today released a statement revealing his future plans.