PM says “deoligarchisation” campaign aimed at “discrediting” current governance system in country

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Tuesday said the “campaign of so-called ‘deoligarchisation’”, which he claimed was organised by “internal or external political opponents”, involved a “completely unsubstantiated accusation” against former PM Bidzina Ivanishvili and was aimed at “discrediting” the current governance system in the country.

Since they have no evidence of Bidzina Ivanishvili's involvement in politics [since his retirement from the position of PM], they point to the fact that I and several key members of our political team entered politics under his leadership as the main ‘proof’ of the so-called ‘oligarchic rule’”, Garibashvili said.

The Government head noted he had had a “close relationship” with Bidzina Ivanishvili as the former Director of the charity foundation Cartu - established by the latter - adding “our families periodically communicate with each other” in the wake of his work on the position.

When Bidzina Ivanishvili announced his entry into politics in 2011, I did not hesitate [to join him]. Of course, I was aware of the risks associated with my decision. However, not only because of my attitude towards Bidzina Ivanishvili, but also taking into account the country's interests, I decided to actively participate in the struggle for the democratic transition without a second thought”, the head of the Government continued. 

Garibashvili stressed it was “particularly offensive” to him when internal or external political opponents put forward the charge of the need for deoligarchisation in the country.

According to constitutional theory and practice, the political leader of the country in a parliamentary republic is the Prime Minister, having the responsibility before the people to perform functions independently of any excessive influence. When someone claims that the Prime Minister is part of a farce and is actually run by a person who decided to quit politics in January last year, it offends not only me but the state as well”, the Prime Minister noted.

In his statement, Garibashvili also said the ruling Georgian Dream team had a “special attitude” towards Bidzina Ivanishvili as he was not only the founder of the political team but had also brought about a “democratic change” in the country.

When he quit politics, he left us with the right values ​​and the rules of the game to govern the state. These values ​​and rules of the game include the love for the country and the respect for the law. However, we do not follow these values ​​and rules of the game as a legacy imposed by the former leader of the team. These values are vitally important and organic to our entire political team”, he said.

The PM stressed the “false accusations” of oligarchic rule, which he said were being made by political opponents against Ivanishvili, were “completely incompatible” with the rules of the political environment left by the former official.

I would like to remind the public that the key Government positions of the ministers of defence, foreign affairs, justice, finance and health are today held by people Bidzina Ivanishvili has not even met or knows”, he noted.

“In such circumstances, talking about Bidzina Ivanishvili governing and controlling the Government and the Parliament is a complete farce and absurdity”, Garibashvili stressed.

If someone believes we did not impose sanctions [against Russia] and did not get involved in the war [amid Russian invasion in Ukraine] on Bidzina Ivanishvili's direct orders, they are very wrong. We do not need anyone's advice or orders on this issue. [...] Our team made decisions on these issues independently and with complete unanimity”, he said.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the ruling team did not make “operational” or “key” decisions “on the orders” of the former leader of the party. 

In this situation, the authors of the campaign [against Bidzina Ivanishvili] should clarify what they mean when they talk about oligarchs and deoligarchisation. [...] If the problem for them is Bidzina Ivanishvili’s factor and, as such, his existence, then they should admit it. If the problem for them is the values left by Bidzina Ivanishvili and the rules of the game - the love for the country and the respect for the law - they should admit this too”, he said.

Garibashvili also said the political environment left behind by Ivanishvili and the experience of the Georgian public were two factors that “do not leave any chance of success to our political opponents”. 

In such conditions, I would advise the [opposition] United National Movement [party] and its internal and external partners to adapt to the current situation - the peace, stability and double-digit economic growth. They should understand that no matter how much they may want it, they cannot involve Georgia in the war”, he concluded in his statement.