The founder of Georgia’s ruling party announced his final departure from politics, sparking reactions from supporters and critics alike.
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire businessman who founded the Georgian Dream party and led it to power in 2012, declared on January 11 that he was leaving politics for good. He said he had fulfilled his “mission” and that he would “let go of the reins of power”. He also resigned as the honorary chairman of the party, a position he had held since December 2020.
Ivanishvili’s announcement came as a surprise to many, as he had returned to politics just a month ago, after stepping down as the prime minister in 2013. He said he decided to come back to help the party win the parliamentary elections in October 2020, which were marred by allegations of fraud and protests by the opposition. He also said he wanted to ensure a smooth transition to a fully proportional electoral system, which was one of his main goals.
Ivanishvili’s political career was marked by achievements and controversies.
Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s, entered Georgian politics in 2011, when he announced his intention to challenge the then-president Mikheil Saakashvili and his United National Movement party. He formed the Georgian Dream coalition, which united various opposition forces, and campaigned on a platform of democratic reforms, social justice, and balanced foreign policy.
In 2012, Ivanishvili’s coalition won a stunning victory over Saakashvili’s party, ending his nine-year rule. Ivanishvili became the prime minister and initiated a series of changes, such as releasing political prisoners, investigating abuses by the previous government, improving relations with Russia, and pursuing closer ties with the European Union and NATO.
However, Ivanishvili also faced criticism for his authoritarian tendencies, his influence over the judiciary and the media, his clashes with civil society and the opposition, and his failure to address the country’s economic and social problems. He was accused of being a “shadow ruler” who controlled the government behind the scenes, even after he resigned as the prime minister in 2013 and officially left politics in 2018.
Ivanishvili’s departure raises questions about the future of Georgian politics.
Ivanishvili’s decision to quit politics again has sparked mixed reactions from different political actors and observers. Some of his supporters praised him for his achievements and his generosity, as he donated most of his wealth to charity. They also expressed confidence that the Georgian Dream party would continue to govern the country successfully without him.
On the other hand, some of his critics doubted his sincerity and his motives, suggesting that he was trying to avoid responsibility for the political crisis and the public discontent that his party faced. They also called for a dialogue and a new election, as they refused to recognize the legitimacy of the current parliament.
Meanwhile, some analysts speculated that Ivanishvili’s departure could create an opportunity for a political reset and a more pluralistic and competitive political system in Georgia. They argued that without Ivanishvili’s dominant role, the Georgian Dream party could become more diverse and open to reforms, while the opposition could become more constructive and cooperative.
However, they also warned that Ivanishvili’s departure could also lead to more instability and uncertainty, as the Georgian Dream party could face internal divisions and challenges from new political forces, while the opposition could remain fragmented and radicalized. They said that the future of Georgian politics would depend on the ability and willingness of the political actors to engage in dialogue and compromise, and to address the needs and expectations of the Georgian people.
