Tbilisi’s reigning mayor Kakha Kaladze seeks re-election

The ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party has formally nominated incumbent Mayor Kakha Kaladze as its candidate for the upcoming mayoral election in Tbilisi.

According to Georgian media, cited by Caliber.Az, Kaladze’s candidacy was announced by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during an official event attended by the party's honorary chairman, Bidzina Ivanishvili.

"Today, we could have introduced a candidate who is simply a good politician, a good manager, or a good patriot—but instead, we are presenting a true champion in every sense," Kobakhidze declared. "Our candidate is a man who has brought Georgia major victories. He is a champion in politics, in management, and in patriotism. He is a champion as a family man, a friend, and a comrade-in-arms."

Kaladze is seeking a third term as mayor. He was first elected in 2017 and won re-election in 2021.

The politician is a former international footballer. Born on February 27, 1978, in Samtredia, he gained fame as a defender for top clubs like Dynamo Kyiv and AC Milan, where he won two UEFA Champions League titles. After retiring from football in 2012, he entered politics with the ruling Georgian Dream party and was soon appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy.

As mayor, Kaladze has focused on urban development, including expanding green spaces and improving public transportation. He has promoted Tbilisi as a tourism destination through international forums and partnerships.

By Tamilla Hasanova