Ruling Georgian Dream party officials highlight importance of former PM Ivanishvili’s return to politics

The representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party on Saturday highlighted the importance of the return of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the former Prime Minister and founder of the GD party, to politics, who earlier today was elected the honorary Chair of the party.

In his comments to the media, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chair of the Georgian Dream party, called Ivanishvili’s return “a very important occurrence and news”, which would further strengthen not only the ruling team but also Georgia, creating an opportunity to achieve “great success” in the future.

Kobakhidze stressed Ivanishvili’s return would end the radical opposition’s speculations over his alleged “informal governance”, adding in case of any kind of informal governance, the former PM would not have to return to politics.

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Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili told the media that Ivanishvili’s return was “the most significant” political event in 2023 for the Georgian Dream team and the society.

Ivanishvili’s existence in politics is important not for the results of the 2024 parliamentary elections, but for the Georgian society to be consolidated to respond to “any destruction [from radical opposition]”, Papuashvili noted.

I would like to congratulate all the members and supporters of the Georgian Dream party on this decision [Ivanishvili’s return to politics], especially since it will significantly strengthen our team”, Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling party, said in his comments.

He emphasised that taking into account the risks that came with the “virtually absence” of opposition in the country, increased the significance of consolidations within the ruling team and people. “The country has a number of important challenges that require full coordination, absolute risk insurance and wise calculations, in which Ivanishvili will take an important part”, Mdinaradze added.

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In his turn Kakha Kaladze, the Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party and Tbilisi Mayor, called the allegations about Ivanishvili’s “informal governance” a “baseless speculation”, noting if it was the case, the former PM would not need to officially return to political life.

Thea Tsulukiani, the Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, thanked Ivanishvili for deciding to return to politics and congratulated more than 42,000 registered members of the Georgian Dream party and 100,000 supporters of Ivanishvili on this decision.

Since the first day of Ivanishvili's appearance in the political arena, I have been loyal to the values that he laid as the foundation in Georgian politics”, Tsulukiani added.

The founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party was elected the honorary Chair of the party at the congress meeting earlier today.