Sanctions undermining Ivanishvili’s inner circle, fifth President Zourabichvili

Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, has claimed that international sanctions were beginning to have a “significant impact” on the political establishment surrounding billionaire and ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, following the resignation of Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri. 

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Zourabichvili said the first circle of Ivanishvili’s supporters was "collapsing," adding that those closest to him were now distancing themselves due to mounting pressure from the West.

“Sanctions are taking effect, and much more than we can imagine,” said Zourabichvili. “With these moves, Ivanishvili is losing the people who were closest to him - trusted and supportive.”

She also claimed thousands of demonstrators had filled central Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi on May 26 to mark Georgia’s Independence Day. The rally was organized by the May 26 Committee and drew attention both locally and abroad.

“Numerous congratulations came from our partners,” she noted, “encouraging us in this long struggle.”

Zourabichvili also confirmed that members of the Resistance Platform, a civic opposition group, held a meeting with a delegation from the European Parliament to discuss recent political developments, including the arrests of opposition leaders and activists. The two sides reportedly explored options for building a viable political alternative that could lead the country toward democratic elections.

She warned that the erosion of Ivanishvili’s inner circle signaled a broader decline in Georgia’s alignment with Western democracies.

“It is also clear that the partnership with our democratic friends is being lost,” she said. “The exchange of letters with the US is an indicator that hopes for reconciliation are disappearing very quickly.”