Kobakhidze Elected Georgian Dream Chair, Unveils Council and Sets Party Agenda
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, May 8, 2025
On May 7, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was elected as chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party during its congress, following Irakli Garibashvili's resignation from politics on April 25. Kobakhidze announced the party's new 15-member political council and delivered a speech outlining GD's ideological stance and future goals.
Kobakhidze opened by praising GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, crediting him for 13 years of peace and sovereignty. "Thanks to Mr. Ivanishvili, Georgia has not seen war since independence and is more sovereign than ever," he said. He also thanked Garibashvili for leading the party through the 2024 elections.
In his speech, Kobakhidze warned of unnamed "influential forces" that threaten sovereignty, democracy, and traditional values. He accused them of eroding identity, promoting immorality, and fighting against Christianity. "This is a difficult battle in which any retreat is a crime against our nation," he said.
Kobakhidze outlined GD's priorities: EU membership, economic development, political unity, and reintegration of Russian-occupied territories. He promised improved living standards for every family and vowed to remove "radicals" from politics.
The new political council includes: Bidzina Ivanishvili (Honorary Chair), Irakli Kobakhidze (Chair, PM),Kakha Kaladze (General Secretary),Shalva Papuashvili, Mamuka Mdinaradze, Giorgi Volski, Tea Tsulukiani, Ministers: Vakhtang Gomelauri, Irakli Chikovani, Maka Botchorishvili,MPs: Nikoloz Samkharadze, Dimitri Samkharadze, Nino Tsilosani,Mariam Kvirishvili, Sulkhan Tamazashvili
Kobakhidze said GD is already preparing for local elections and expects a tenth consecutive victory.
