Ivanishvili shifts political responsibility to Kobakhidze, expert

Analyst Gia Khukhashvili on Thursday claimed that former Prime Minister and ruling party honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili was attempting to distance himself from responsibility for the country’s challenging political situation by placing the burden on Irakli Kobakhidze, the current PM who was on Wednesday elected as the GD chairman. 

Khukhashvili suggested that Ivanishvili, who remained a “key figure” in Georgian politics despite no longer holding public office, was engaging in "political games" to maintain leverage without direct accountability.

"It was expected, nothing special happened. They ended it quickly because they were afraid of protests outside and are running from building to building like thieves, they can't find their way on the street," Khukhashvili said, describing the actions of the Georgian Dream leadership.

The analyst further argued that the departure of officials affiliated with Ivanishvili and the subsequent consolidation of power around Kobakhidze and his close allies was a calculated maneuver.

"When officials affiliated with Ivanishvili go, and everything is completed with Kobakhidze's brotherhood, this is also Bidzina's tactical game, in my opinion. The game is absolutely logical and politically sound, given that a very difficult process awaits the government," Khukhashvili added.