Judge Manana Kobakhidze resigns from Georgia's Constitutional Court

Manana Kobakhidze has resigned from the Constitutional Court of Georgia following the rejection of her request to recuse herself from a high-profile case. The lawsuit, filed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, seeks to ban five opposition parties: the United National Movement (UNM), Lelo/Strong Georgia, Ahali/Coalition for Change, the Federalists, and For Georgia.

Kobakhidze, a founding member of Georgian Dream and former Member of Parliament, argued that her previous political activities and public statements could raise “reasonable doubts” regarding her impartiality. In her motion, she noted that she had previously criticized UNM officials for alleged human rights violations and had even publicly called for the party to dissolve.

While Kobakhidze maintained that she had acted solely in accordance with the Constitution since joining the judiciary, the court's plenary panel denied her motion to step aside. Her resignation was officially effective as of October 13, 2026.