PM highlights “outstanding charity” of ruling party founder Ivanishvili at hotel opening

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday highlighted the “outstanding contribution” of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party and the former PM, at the opening ceremony of the Paragraph Tbilisi hotel. 

 

In his comments, Garibashvili said Ivanishvili, who entered and left domestic politics twice since 2012, had contributed more than three billion dollars to the country’s social and economic development over the years, and noted the entry of Marriott International network’s top category brand – Luxury Collection – had marked a “new stage” in the domestic hospitality industry. 

 

The PM stressed the Paragraph Tbilisi total investment amounted to 150 million dollars, “excluding investment commitments directly contributing to Georgia’s economy”. 

 

“I want to extend my gratitude and once again acknowledge the role of the main author of this project, Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili”, Garibashvili said, and added the new facility would create new jobs and further upgrade service in the hospitality sector. 

 

Ivanishvili is labeled as a “shadow ruler”, and an “oligarch” with “pro-Kremlin sentiments” by domestic opposition groups