Girchi member Iago Khvichia believes that the position of Prime Minister under the Georgian Dream party is a mere formality, with the genuine power lying with the honorary chairperson of the party. He said that substantial changes would only occur when there is a change in the honorary chairperson of the Georgian Dream.

“Currently, Bidzina Ivanishvili decided not to change other government members. Unfortunately, after Bidzina Ivanishvili, it was not up to the Prime Ministers to decide which minister would stay or go,” said Khvichia.

He expresses scepticism regarding the appointment of Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze as an ambassador to NATO.

“I find it unbelievable that a controversial minister will be appointed to NATO. I don’t know what hopes they have for him,” Iago Khvichia added.

Today, the ruling Georgian Dream party elected Irakli Garibashvili as its new chair and nominated Irakli Kobakhidze for the position of Prime Minister. Following the congress, Kobakhidze announced that Juansher Burchuladze would be replaced by Irakli Chikovani as Defense Minister. Burchuladze stated that he received an offer for the position of NATO ambassador and is likely to accept it.