TBILISI (Realist English). The ruling Georgian Dream party has announced it will hold a congress on May 7 to elect a new chairperson after Irakli Garibashvili stepped down from the post. Garibashvili, who led the party since January 2024, has not been replaced yet, and no official candidates have been named.
The party operates under a dual leadership structure: a “honorary chairman,” a role held by its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and a formal chair responsible for day-to-day operations. Since Ivanishvili’s official return to politics in April, he has effectively resumed full control over Georgian Dream’s strategic direction. His elevated status was enshrined in the party’s revised charter.
Garibashvili’s resignation and the upcoming leadership reshuffle come amid nationwide protests against the controversial “foreign influence” law, which has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union. Political analysts suggest the party may be preparing for deeper consolidation under Ivanishvili’s leadership ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for this fall.
According to Georgian media, potential candidates for the chairmanship include Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, parliamentary majority leader Mamuka Mdinaradze, and Justice Minister Rati Bregadze. However, observers agree that the final decision will ultimately rest with Ivanishvili.
