Georgian Dream announces leadership changes following resignation of party chair

Following the resignation of Irakli Garibashvili from both the chairmanship of Georgian Dream and from politics, the ruling party has announced plans for a congress and “minor” changes within its political council.

After the party’s majority meeting on April 28, Georgian Dream’s Executive Secretary Mamuka Mdinaradze stated that regional conferences would be held first, followed by a party congress.

At the congress, a new party chairman will be elected. Mdinaradze did not disclose any potential candidates for the position. He added that there will also be a “slight renewal” of the party’s political council, with more details to be announced later.

Irakli Garibashvili officially stepped down from politics and his party post on April 26. Previously, on February 1, 2024, Garibashvili and Irakli Kobakhidze swapped roles — Kobakhidze became Prime Minister, and Garibashvili took over as chairman of Georgian Dream. This reshuffle occurred shortly after the political return of billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, who now holds the title of Honorary Chairman of Georgian Dream.

Additional government changes were also announced recently. On April 24, Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze resigned and was replaced by Rezo Sokhadze, a majoritarian member of the Tbilisi City Assembly. These changes followed earlier shifts, including the resignation of the State Security Service chief and the appointment of a new head of the Adjara regional government.