“I take pride in the selfless dedication I’ve shown throughout my various roles, working alongside a remarkable team to achieve significant accomplishments and surmount formidable challenges,” Irakli Garibashvili, the Georgian Dream party chairperson, stated at his recent retirement briefing.
Garibashvili emphasized that he has consistently and unwaveringly defended the national interests of Georgia in every position he has held.
“Today, I announce my decision to step away from politics. In light of the ongoing speculation regarding my future political pursuits, I feel obliged to provide the public with clear answers. Every action I have taken in my political career has stemmed from a singular purpose: to serve my country and its people and to fortify our state. My motivation has always been rooted in a profound love for my homeland and the desire to contribute meaningfully to its strength.
In October 2011, I made a critical decision to join Bidzina Ivanishvili’s political team. This choice came at a tremendous personal cost, as a family member was unjustly imprisoned as a direct result of my decision, held as a hostage by the regime. Without our eventual victory, we could have lost them, and I might have faced imprisonment myself. Most importantly, our country could have faced devastation. With Bidzina Ivanishvili’s leadership, we successfully ended the oppressive regime and restored hope to our nation.
Since October 2012, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Ivanishvili’s team to foster peace, stability, and prosperity in Georgia, thereby safeguarding our sovereignty and the interests of our people. During this time, I served twice as Prime Minister, also as Minister of Internal Affairs, and Minister of Defence, culminating in my most recent role as the Chair of the Georgian Dream.
I take pride in my unwavering commitment to national interests and the many accomplishments we’ve achieved together during my tenure. I am grateful to have faithfully served my country, fulfilling my obligations to our citizens and our party, and contributing to the strength of our state. I believe no position is eternal, and my roles have only ever been a means to serve our homeland.
This is precisely how I felt when I first stepped back from politics in December 2015, an experience I also encountered upon my return in 2019 and upon leaving the Prime Minister’s position once more last year. Today, I am reaffirming my departure from politics for a second time,” Garibashvili declared.
He noted that the Georgian Dream has emerged as a united and robust political entity.
“Mr Bidzina Ivanishvili, our party’s founder and honourary chairman, has played a crucial role in this achievement, uniting our team during challenging times and guiding us through significant threats while fostering development across various spheres.
The responsibilities entrusted to me upon my return to politics — first as Minister of Defence, then as Prime Minister, and ultimately as party chairman — have been fulfilled. Consequently, I no longer feel the need to remain chairman or involved in politics, which leads me to resign from my role and seek to serve my country in a different capacity.
I will continue to uphold the foundational achievements, values, and principles that guided our victory on October 1, 2012. My loyalty to the party, and my commitment to Bidzina Ivanishvili’s vision for our nation, remain strong. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Ivanishvili for the unique opportunity he afforded me to serve Georgia in its highest political echelons. I wish success to my successor and the entire Georgian Dream team. I thank our members, supporters, and dedicated public servants, especially the people of Georgia.
I believe that under Bidzina Ivanishvili’s leadership, the Georgian Dream will continue to champion peace, safeguard national interests, and pave the way for Georgia’s European future, all while striving for the peaceful restoration of our territorial integrity and sustainable development. May God bless our homeland,” concluded Garibashvili.
