Prepared by Messenger Staff
Irakli Garibashvili Leaves Georgian Dream and Politics
Irakli Garibashvili, chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party and former prime minister, announced his departure from both his party role and politics altogether. Speaking at a press briefing on April 25, Garibashvili said he has "accomplished" his goals and plans to move into the private sector to "test" his abilities in other fields.
Citing a desire to "devote more time" to his family, Garibashvili reflected on his political career, saying, "Every step I have taken in my political life has been based on a specific goal: to serve our country and people and to strengthen our state." He emphasized that he had "paid his dues" by promoting stability and progress and that he "no longer sees the need to remain in politics."
Garibashvili did not announce any specific plans for his next role but confirmed that his time in politics is over for now.
During his remarks, Garibashvili praised Georgian Dream's founder and honorary chair, Bidzina Ivanishvili, calling him "a guarantee of peace and stability" who has "averted major threats" and "brought tangible progress and development to all spheres" of Georgian society. Garibashvili added, "If the Georgian Dream has finally emerged as a united and strong political force, it is thanks to Ivanishvili."
Public Defender Comments on 5,000 GEL Fines for Blocking Streets
Public Defender Levan Ioseliani commented on the recent imposition of 5,000 GEL fines for citizens blocking streets during protests, speaking on the air of Palitra.
Ioseliani stressed that small groups do not have the right to obstruct public roads. "A fine of 5,000 GEL is a deterrent, including for such rallies, because when such fines are imposed, people may refrain," he said.
He noted the financial impact of the fine, calling it significant. "A fine of 5,000 GEL is a high burden. It is important for the participants of the rally to consider that 10, 20 and even 50 people have not been given the legitimacy to block the street."
According to Ioseliani, protestors still have the right to express their views, but blocking streets must meet certain conditions. "They can express their opinion somewhere, but this is not a sufficient number. In the case when the street is blocked due to the large number of people, then the prerequisite for the existence of that fine will not exist either," he explained.
