Gharibashvili Questions Whether Georgia Has Improved Since He Left Office
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili has questioned whether Georgia's domestic and foreign policies have improved since he left office in January 2024, using a lengthy social media post to defend his record in government.
"Almost three years have passed since then, and I want to ask the people: has the situation in the country improved or deteriorated, whether in terms of domestic or foreign policy?" Gharibashvili wrote.
Gharibashvili recalled returning to the prime minister's office in February 2021, following Giorgi Gakharia's resignation. He described the country at the time as facing a political and economic crisis alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a 6% economic contraction, a 9% budget deficit, government debt above 60% of GDP, and a lari exchange rate of 3.3-3.4 to the U.S. dollar.
He accused Gakharia of abandoning the government during the crisis, calling his resignation an "act of unexpected betrayal." Gharibashvili noted that the ruling party's approval rating had fallen to 35-37% and the government was on the brink of collapse.
Gharibashvili said his administration responded by reopening the economy, expanding vaccination efforts, and launching major infrastructure and regional development projects. He pointed to double-digit economic growth in 2021 and 2022 as clear evidence of a rapid recovery.
According to his statement, the economy expanded by GEL 30 billion during his three years in office, while the budget deficit fell from 9% to 2.8% and government debt declined from over 60% to 38% of GDP. He also highlighted lower unemployment and poverty rates, higher public-sector salaries, and increased social assistance.
On healthcare, Gharibashvili emphasized the opening of the Turkish pharmaceutical market and the introduction of reference pricing. He claimed these measures reduced medicine costs by an average of 30-40%, saving the population GEL 400 million over two years.
Gharibashvili stated that his government also pursued an active foreign policy, which included applying for EU membership, securing new strategic and free-trade agreements, and fostering closer relations with partners across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
He cited visits to China, the United States, European capitals, Israel, and Jordan, as well as Georgia's involvement in peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also recalled hosting the first trilateral meeting of the Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani prime ministers in Tbilisi.
Regarding Russia's war against Ukraine, Gharibashvili said his government steadfastly defended Georgia's national interests while successfully avoiding destabilization and the threat of war.
He credited his administration with securing EU candidate status in December 2023, emphasizing that this milestone was achieved while firmly protecting the nation's sovereignty and interests.
Gharibashvili stepped down as prime minister at the end of January 2024. He concluded his statement by asking the public to judge whether the country is in a better or worse position today than when he left office.
