UNM opposition leader links ruling party chair’s resignation to sanctions pressure

Tina Bokuchava, the chair of the United National Movement opposition, on Friday accused former Prime Minister and ruling Georgian Dream party chairperson Irakli Garibashvili of stepping down from political life in an effort to shield himself and his family from potential Western sanctions.

Several western nations have imposed sanctions on Georgian officials following the government’s move late last year to halt the country’s EU integration until 2028 and its approach to subsequent protests.
Bokuchava alleged that Garibashvili’s resignation was motivated by a desire to protect personal assets and preserve his family’s ability to travel and study in the West.

“This is an attempt to save himself and the millions he stole from the Georgian people over the years in the name of Georgian Dream,” she claimed. “He wants to ensure that he and his family can continue to enter the US and the EU, live, study, and educate themselves there.”

She further claimed that Garibashvili’s eldest son was currently studying at the University of Pennsylvania and “had no intention of attending Moscow State University,” in reference to the opposition’s claims that the GD was pursuing pro-Russian policies.

When asked whether Garibashvili could re-emerge under a different political banner aligned with Ivanishvili, Bokuchava said the possibility could not be ruled out.

“Let’s be honest – this person has no self-respect. Ivanishvili has let him go and brought him back multiple times. So if he appears in another role, we wouldn’t be surprised,” she added.

Bokuchava concluded by warning that sanctions against Georgian Dream figures were likely to be expanded, calling the party “Russian Dream” and reiterating her belief that Garibashvili’s exit was part of a broader strategy to avoid international accountability.