Politician Garibashvili departs from Georgian Dream, ends active political career
Spilling the Beans: Irakli Garibashvili Steps Down from Georgian Dream
Hey there! Quick newsflash - Irakli Garibashvili, the man behind Georgian Dream since its inception back in 2012, is throwing in the towel and bidding adieu to his role. He dropped the bombshell during a lively meeting at party headquarters recently.
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Let's take a whirlwind tour of Irakli's political journey. He slapped on the mantle of Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs from 2012 to 2013, under Bidzina Ivanishvili's reign. November 20, 2013, saw him assume the Prime Minister role for the first time, a hat he wore until December 30, 2015, and simultaneously served as the chairman of Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia. Fast forward a bit, and he found himself refocusing as Georgia's Minister of Defense from September 8, 2019, to February 22, 2021. On February 1, 2024, he was ushered back into power as the Chairman of Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia.
But wait, there’s more! Irakli had a brief second stint as Prime Minister post-Giorgi Gakharia's resignation, handling political affairs until January 29, 2024. He oversaw various milestones during his tenure, including the 2021 EU-mediated political agreement and local election wins. However, on April 25, 2025, Irakli called it quits, stating that his mission was accomplished, and he's ready to dip his toes into the private sector again. His exit from Georgian Dream officially sealed his departure from public office.
So here’s the scoop - Irakli Garibashvili, the man who's been a pillar of Georgian Dream since its inception, is stepping down and leaving the political limelight. Grab your popcorn, folks, and stay tuned for more updates!
Insights:
- Timeline of Irakli Garibashvili's Political Career:
- 2012–2013: Minister of Internal Affairs under Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili's government following Georgian Dream's election victory.
- November 2013: Became Prime Minister after parliamentary approval, focusing on EU/NATO integration and economic reforms.
- 2013–2015: First premiership, resigned amid declining public support for Georgian Dream and tensions with President Giorgi Margvelashvili.
- 2018: Transitioned to the private sector as regional adviser to CEFC China Energy's board.
- 2019–2021: Second stint as Minister of Defense.
- February 2021: Appointed Prime Minister again post-Giorgi Gakharia's resignation.
- 2021–2024: Oversaw the 2021 EU-mediated political agreement and local election victories.
- February 2024: Elected Chairman of Georgian Dream, succeeding Ivanishvili as party leader.
- April 2025: Announced retirement from politics, citing mission completion and transitioning to the private sector.
- Sources:
- Georgian Journal
- Civil.Ge
- OCCRP
- InsidePolitics.ge
- RFE/RL
- In 2024, Irakli Garibashvili stepped down from his position as Chairman of Georgian Dream- Democratic Georgia, a role he had recently reclaimed after three years in the private sector and a tenure as Prime Minister from February 2021 to April 2025.
- During his second stint as Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili navigated policy-and-legislation and politics, overseeing significant milestones such as the 2021 EU-mediated political agreement and local election victories.
- Garibashvili had a notable political career, serving as Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs from 2012 to 2013, Prime Minister from November 2013 to December 30, 2015, and Minister of Defense from September 8, 2019, to February 22, 2021.
- His exit from Georgian Dream in 2025 marked the end of a democratic journey that began with the inception of the party in 2012 and his role as a key figure in Georgian politics.
