The two approaches of the PM and the President

Speculations surrounding President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili are tense. Analysts state that there is not only a rivalry over the leadership; it also looks like there is controversy concerning foreign and domestic policy between them. They both are members of the same team – both the successors of former PM Bidzina Ivanishvili. However, the reality is as such that after Margvelashvili was elected as president, Ivanishvili expressed his dissatisfaction with him, stating that he saw a change of personality in Margvelashvili.

PM Gharibashvili admitted that there is some level of discord between them, but it was not a tragedy.

Analysts believe that normal relations between the government and president are important, and their personal attitude should not affect the country.

According to the constitutional reform, Georgia has become a parliamentary republic. Many rights of the president were transferred to the Prime Minister. For instance, there was much debate over who should sign the Association Agreement with the EU.

President Margvelashvili officially delegated the right to the Prime Minister. However, Gharibashvili stated that based on the constitution, it was his right anyway.

Nevertheless, apart from these matters, there are differences in their views. For example, the recent developments in Abkhazia were labeled as staff changes by Gharibashvili, while Margvelashvili suggested that they were Russian tricks.

Under these circumstances, President Margvelashvili can take steps to distance himself from the Georgian Dream. Hopefully he will not do this.