Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says there is “no evidence” that Bidzina Ivanishvili has ever gained personal benefit from his political activities, arguing instead that the ruling party founder has consistently acted in the country’s interest. Speaking at a government briefing, Kobakhidze said Ivanishvili’s public role has been widely misrepresented by critics, while his contributions to Georgia’s political and institutional development have been significant.
Kobakhidze described Ivanishvili as a central figure in Georgia’s post-2012 political transformation, crediting him with strengthening state institutions and enabling what he called a shift toward a more stable democratic system. He rejected claims that Ivanishvili effectively controls the government, insisting that formal constitutional structures define executive decision-making, while the ruling party’s advisory mechanisms remain political rather than administrative.
At the same time, the prime minister acknowledged that Ivanishvili continues to play an influential role within the ruling party as its honorary chair and a member of its political council. He said regular consultations take place between party leaders and Ivanishvili on key strategic issues, though day-to-day government management and staffing decisions remain outside his direct involvement.
Kobakhidze also emphasized Ivanishvili’s stance on corruption and personal financial detachment from politics, portraying him as a “benefactor” who has contributed resources to the country rather than profiting from public office. He concluded that Georgia’s current stability, institutional strength, and economic progress reflect the political model established after 2012, and said this trajectory would continue under the same principles.
