Bidzina Ivanishvili chairs Georgian Dream party meetings

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, made a rare public appearance on October 17 to chair meetings of the party’s political council and parliamentary majority. While Ivanishvili did not speak to journalists, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated the sessions focused on domestic and foreign policy issues, as well as current political and economic processes.

According to Kobakhidze, Ivanishvili expressed “heartache” regarding imprisoned former teammates. However, a party statement offered a different perspective, claiming that corruption challenges within the team had been “fully and effectively” overcome. The meetings also resulted in the expansion of the political council, which will now include parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia and Zurab Pataradze, head of the government of Adjara.

The appearance occurs amid significant internal and external pressure for the ruling party, including U.S. sanctions against Ivanishvili and ongoing legal challenges involving former officials. Outside the party’s central office, protesters gathered under the slogan “Georgia against Ivanishvili,” expressing opposition to the current leadership.