Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, asserted on July 12 that the totally unsubstantiated campaign mounted by internal and external political opponents against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and deoligarchization is aimed at discrediting the Georgian political system.

The Prime Minister of Georgia called discussion of Ivanishvili remaining to run the present administration a total farce and folly in a lengthy message that was posted on his personal Facebook page. According to him, the claim that the Prime Minister is part of the charade and is truly run by someone who gave up politics a year ago is insulting to both him and the Georgian state. “The fact that various members of the ruling team entered Georgian politics under Ivanishvili's direction is the primary proof of the so-called oligarchic rule, because opponents do not have any data regarding Ivanishvili's position in politics," said PM Garibashvili. The Prime Minister emphasised that false accusations of oligarchic rule are incompatible with the rules of the game Ivanishvili left behind after leaving politics, particularly in light of the fact that, in his opinion, people unrelated to Ivanishvili currently hold the positions of Minister of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Finance, and Health.

On Georgia's unwillingness to join the sanctions on Russia, PM Garibashvili said that anybody who believes that we did not impose sanctions and join the war at Bidzina Ivanishvili's urging is absolutely mistaken. "We don't need any team members' opinions on this matter. We also adore the nation and won't give it up to a bloody conflict,” he continued. Garibashvili said that given their cordial connection, it is not shameful for him and his family to sometimes interact with Ivanishvili's family about various matters.

"I would encourage the United National Movement to adjust to the current scenario, which is one of peace, stability, and double-digit economic development, as well as to its internal and external allies. They ought to comprehend that they are unable to include Georgia in the conflict, despite their best efforts,” the PM said.

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