Irakli Gharibashvili to Take Over as Chairman of Georgian Dream After Resigning as Prime Minister
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Irakli Gharibashvili has resigned from the post of Prime Minister and will now serve as the chairman of the Georgian Dream party; he announced the decision at a briefing at the administration of the Government of Georgia.
"I assumed the role of Prime Minister for a second term during one of the most challenging periods, marked by domestic and international political, economic, and social crises. I wholeheartedly dedicated myself to serving our country, unwaveringly defending its interests. I take pride in the results we achieved together with my team.
I have had the privilege of holding this esteemed position twice with the Georgian Dream team. In total, I served as the Prime Minister for five years, making it the longest tenure.
One of the main factors of the strength of our political team is internal democracy, the most obvious manifestation of which is the principle of rotation. We have many successful leaders in the team, and it's important to provide others with opportunities, especially considering the new tasks ahead, such as the upcoming election of a new parliament in the fall.
Georgian Dream should prepare to secure a convincing victory in the elections to continue advancing towards other, bigger goals," Gharibashvili stated.
Irakli Gharibashvili mentioned that the Political Council considered the option of him remaining in the role of Prime Minister until the summer, before the start of the election campaign, but he declined.
"It is crucial for the next prime minister to introduce their team promptly and establish a new government. I extend my best wishes for success to the new prime minister," Gharibashvili said.
The prime minister's authority will cease upon resignation, and the government will continue to perform its duties until a new prime minister is appointed.
The parliament must approve the new government proposed by the Prime Minister candidate nominated by the Georgian Dream within 2 weeks. The government program, along with the composition of the government, will be presented to the parliament. To secure a vote of confidence, the support of a majority in the full composition of the Parliament is required-specifically, the endorsement of 76 MPs.
The election of Irakli Gharibashvili as the chairman of the Georgian Dream party is scheduled for February 1.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, the executive secretary of Georgian Dream, has confirmed that the candidacy of Irakli Kobakhidze for the post of Prime Minister is under consideration. Currently, Kobakhidze serves as the chairman of the Georgian Dream party.
Mdinaradze mentioned that Irakli Gharibashvili's resignation was his own decision.
