Tsotne Ivanishvili: Georgia can become country where people no longer feel need to leave

Tsotne Ivanishvili, son of ruling party founder and honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili, on Saturday said he believes Georgia can develop into a country where citizens no longer feel compelled to emigrate, stressing that stability, peace and long-term development are essential to achieving that goal.

Speaking during the Georgian Dream Youth Organisation’s regional tour in the eastern town of Sighnaghi, Ivanishvili responded to a question about young people leaving the country and said Georgians have a particularly strong attachment to their homeland and traditions.

He acknowledged that emigration remains a challenge and noted that he has personally heard such concerns from friends. According to Ivanishvili, addressing the issue requires time, sustained development and a stable environment.

“Together, through the development of our country, I believe we will achieve a Georgia that stands firmly on its feet, where the desire to leave no longer exists,” he said.

Ivanishvili argued that peace is a fundamental prerequisite for resolving many of the country’s challenges and implementing development projects. He pointed to initiatives presented during the meeting as examples of opportunities that could help young people build their future in Georgia.

He also expressed support for youth-led academic and cultural projects, saying the youth organisation would seek to assist young people in advancing their ideas and initiatives.

“Many things require time and many projects require time, but what is essential and fundamental is a stable situation and peace in the country, which, thank God, we have,” Ivanishvili said.