PM Kobakhidze lauds Ivanishvili as guarantor of peace

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday reiterated that Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party and its honorary chair, was the “primary guarantor” of peace in Georgia, justifying the recent implementation of heightened security measures “amid rising tensions”.

During an election campaign event, Kobakhidze emphasized the “importance of Ivanishvili in maintaining peace” in Georgia and pointed out that the State Security Service was currently investigating security threats. The top official linked the risks directly to Ivanishvili’s role as a “key figure” in the country’s stability.

“Given the global developments and the challenges posed by the opposition, especially the collective United ‘National Movement, it is only logical to take all necessary precautions,” he said.

The PM criticized the UNM as the previous ruling force, accusing them of having a disregard for human life and being involved in “numerous crimes”. “Under their rule, 140 people died in prisons annually, and human life meant nothing to them,” Kobakhidze stressed.

He expressed his gratitude to Ivanishvili for his efforts in “freeing Georgia” from what he described as a dictatorship in 2012. “Ivanishvili sacrificed his personal well-being and risked his life to liberate Georgia,” Kobakhidze said.

Kobakhidze also touched upon the importance of the upcoming elections, describing them as “one of the most critical since 2012”. He framed the election as a “referendum on Georgia’s future”, with significant stakes including the preservation of peace, traditional values, and the country’s European aspirations.

Kobakhidze underscored the need for a legal process to formally address the crimes allegedly committed by the UNM .He vowed that the procedures would begin once the ruling party secureD a constitutional majority in the upcoming elections. “The choice for the public is clear: vote for peace, Christian values, and Georgia’s bright European future,” Kobakhidze said.