PM Kobakhidze vows 10th ‘anniversary victory’ in elections after electing as ruling party chair

With less than five months remaining until Georgia’s local self-government elections, the ruling Georgian Dream party has officially commenced preparations, party chairman and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced during a speech at the party congress on Wednesday.

Addressing party members, Kobakhidze emphasized the party’s ambition to secure victory in all 64 municipalities across the country, ensuring “continued development and stability.”

“With the support of the Georgian people, we will win the mayoral and city assembly elections in all 64 municipalities, so that development does not stop for a single day in any municipality,” he claimed.

Kobakhidze highlighted “key priorities” for Georgian Dream, including the “strengthening of the democratic system, enhancing Georgia’s independence and security, bolstering the economy, and advancing the country’s foreign policy standing.” He further reiterated the party’s “commitment to Georgia’s European Union accession”, framing it as a “core objective.”

The Georgian Dream leader’s speech also touched on global challenges, portraying Georgia as a nation “resisting external pressures.” He claimed that powerful international forces “sought to undermine state sovereignty”, “weaken national and religious identities”, and “erode traditional values.” Kobakhidze positioned his party as a “defender of Georgia’s national interests” and “moral values” in this context.

“Today, the world is facing the most difficult challenges,” he said, accusing unnamed forces of attempting to destabilize states, suppress cultural heritage, and promote "vices" contrary to traditional values. According to Kobakhidze, Georgian Dream’s 13-year history has been defined by an “unequal but just and successful struggle” for the country’s independence and development.

In his concluding remarks, Kobakhidze thanked the Georgian public for their “continued support,” crediting their trust with enabling the party to overcome “significant challenges.” He also paid tribute to the party’s founder and honorary chair, Bidzina Ivanishvili, acknowledging his role in establishing the Georgian Dream and his “merit” before the nation.