Georgian PM Kobakhidze Dismisses Resignation Speculation, Says No Government Reshuffle Discussed

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed renewed speculation about his possible resignation, saying such rumours resurface every three months and are intended to create an artificial political agenda.

Speaking to journalists following meetings at the ruling Georgian Dream party’s headquarters on Saturday, Kobakhidze said no personnel changes had been discussed apart from the expansion of the party’s Political Council.

“They bring up this issue in three-month cycles. I don’t even know how many three-month periods have passed by now,” Kobakhidze said in response to a question about his possible resignation.

He accused those circulating the speculation of attempting to manufacture a political agenda.

“They are artificially creating an agenda. The only personnel matter discussed today was the expansion of the Political Council by two members. No other personnel issues were discussed,” the prime minister said.

His remarks came after Georgian Dream announced that parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia and Zurab Pataradze, chairman of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, had joined the party’s Political Council.

Kobakhidze gave no indication that any changes to the government’s leadership or composition were under consideration.