Ivanishvili's future in politics unclear
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Tuesday, September 3
Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili responded to much speculation over his leaving of Georgian politics. He stressed that the major aim of his stepping into politics was to put an end to the “messianic attitudes” in Georgian politics. Ivanishvili emphasized that he has already performed “two of his” roles and now is the time for the third and the most important move that requires closing door to active politics. Ivanishvili is ready to make a step without voicing certain time of quitting.
In the open letter, Ivanishvili spoke regarding the reasons why he decided to become a part of Georgian politics. The PM reminded his first letter after coming to politics, where he promised that he would defeat the United National Movement, restore justice in the country, undermine elite corruption, leave strong government and president and quit his position after 2-3 years.
“I function in three directions currently: I am a Prime Minister, head of the coalition Georgian Dream and an active citizen of Georgia,” Ivanishvili stated, and stressed that the most important for the country at the present moment is the third one.
Ivanishvili thinks that the ministers were selected correctly and that the current government of Georgia is strong enough to fulfill its function and risks of elite corruption were reduced to a minimum. Ivanishvili also stressed that the presidential candidate was also chosen well, based on his European values and visions. The PM stated that the Georgian Dream would also go ahead without him as he was “a leader of leaders” in the group.
Ivanishvili stated that the civil sector is the “Achilles heel” for Georgia and he is the most needed in the sector. Ivanishvili mentioned that each citizen should understand his role and function in building the state.
“There are people who are against my leaving of politics…a certain number of such people are afraid to take their own responsibilities,” Ivanishvili stated, adding that his steps aimed to end “the spinning of people around a single leader.”
The PM said that “emotional patriotism dominates in Georgia: people vote through emotions. Thus, after the elections they want immediate changes of government,” Ivanishvili stated.
He stressed that people’s voting for the coalition Georgian dream in October 2012 was motivated by emotions rather than reasonable choice as well.
Ivanishvili stressed that no one should be elected based on emotion, and that the swift building of civil society is required.
“Civil society should act reasonably. Its decisions should be based on thinking.” Ivanishvili stated.
Ivanishvili said that he would leave politics when he is sure that the European course is not being hindered and when there will be real evidence of the country's stability.
“Ivanishvili is running from politics and making statements for his coalition and not the people,” minority representative, Akaki Minashvili stated. He stressed that Ivanishvili failed to fulfill his promises and brought the country into chaos.
“Due to the complete collapse, he is trying to run from politics,” Minashvili said.
Majority representatives believe that Ivanishvili fulfilled all his promises and at the present moment, he will be more useful in the civil sector.
“I absolutely agree with the PM’s statement that the civil sector needs assistance. All his words were strengthened with argumentation and he has always spoke on what he has written in the open letter,” Foreign Minister, Maia Panjikidze said.
