Tbilisi Mayor rules out bid for Georgian Dream party chairmanship

Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party Kakha Kaladze has officially ruled out any candidacy for the role of party chairman, amid ongoing leadership changes.

A new chairman will be elected at the upcoming party congress scheduled for May 7, Caliber.Az reports, citing local Georgian media. 

The position became vacant following the unexpected departure of Irakli Garibashvili, who resigned from his political career on April 25 after holding the position since February 2024. 

“My candidacy for the post of party chairman is not being considered. I hold the position of Secretary General of the Georgian Dream party, as well as serving as Mayor of Tbilisi. For me, holding a specific title has no significant value,” Kaladze told reporters at a press briefing.

Kaladze described himself as a “foot soldier” of the party, emphasising his dedication to both his duties as mayor and his responsibilities within the party. He further noted that the decision-making process within Georgian Dream is always collective, with no individual making unilateral decisions.

Chairman of Georgia's ruling party Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has officially announced his decision to retire from politics during a briefing. Garibashvili’s statement has garnered widespread attention across Georgian media. In his address, he explained his decision to step away from the political arena after months of speculation about his future plans.

Garibashvili announced his decision to retire from politics, stating that the party has "finally formed as a united and strong political force," thanks in part to its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili. He emphasised that the party had successfully "prevented significant threats to the country and society." When asked about his future plans, Garibashvili mentioned that he envisions himself in the private sector and might focus on economic matters. He also expressed his loyalty to Ivanishvili, saying he would remain "a faithful soldier in Bidzina Ivanishvili's team." 

By Naila Huseynova