French President awards Bidzina Ivanishvili highest French civil award
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, January 7
The President of France, Emanuel Macron has awarded the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor to the Georgian billionaire, Bidzina Ivanishvili. A former Georgian PM Ivanishvili is a founder and the current head of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The decree was issued on December 31, 2020.
The presidential decree states that Ivanishvili, ex-Prime Minister of Georgia, is a founder of an international charitable organization, Cartu, which is involved in various fields, including education, culture, and sports. According to the decree, over the past year, France as well as other countries faced a serious crisis in the healthcare sector. Thus, this year the award was given to people who have made significant contributions to the fight against coronavirus.
The Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit is awarded by the French president to French nationals or foreigners for military and civil achievements. The order is divided into five categories - Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer, and Grand Cross.
Francois Pinault, a French businessman congratulated Ivanishvili on the award. Pinault noted that the prestigious title would honor Ivanishvili’s biography, his dedication to the service of democracy as well as his love for France.
