Regional Development Minister Mdinaradze quits post, politics, citing family, ‘need for a break’

Georgia’s Regional Development Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze announced his resignation from government on Thursday and said he was leaving politics after 10 years of political activity, stressing that the decision was his own and was driven largely by a desire to spend more time with his family.

Mdinaradze said he had discussed his decision with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Georgian Dream honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili, “initially facing reluctance” from both before “convincing them” that stepping aside was the right decision for him.

“I think I deserve some rest and to take care of my family and myself,” Mdinaradze said, noting that his two children, aged nine and 13, had “practically grown up without me” because of his intensive involvement in politics.

He said he had been considering leaving politics for several weeks and stressed that “nothing particular happened” to prompt the decision. He also said he did not currently plan to return to politics, although he would consider coming back if the Georgian Dream team were to need him and there were no other options.

Mdinaradze thanked Ivanishvili, Kobakhidze and other members of the party, describing his decade in politics as a period of work, dedication to the country and service alongside his political colleagues.

Asked what he plans to do next, Mdinaradze said he had not made a firm decision but could try his hand at the private sector or business.

In his comments Mdinaradze also denied ever sending a letter to jailed former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, calling Garibashvili’s account of the alleged correspondence “complete absurdity.”

Mdinaradze told journalists that he had never sent Garibashvili a letter, directly or through another person, saying he had never written such a letter to anyone in his life.

“I have never sent any letter to anyone, ever,” Mdinaradze said, adding that he had not been involved in the matters described by Garibashvili.

Mdinaradze questioned the logic of Garibashvili’s claim, asking what the alleged letter actually contained and whether anyone had seen it. He said Garibashvili himself should be asked why he referred to Mdinaradze in the letter.

The comments come after Garibashvili, who is currently jailed, published a letter claiming that he had received a message from Mdinaradze in July. He claimed the alleged communication said the Georgian Dream team wanted him to acknowledge corruption allegations because of a “1% risk,” despite his refusal to return to politics.

Garibashvili described the alleged demand as a “red line” and said he had been left with no alternative but to begin fighting back. He has also alleged that the campaign against corruption was aimed at imprisoning and politically destroying him.