Irakli Garibashvili meeting with Josep Borrell, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. (Facebook/Government of Georgia.) TBILISI, DFWatch--Georgia’s prime minister on Tuesday rejected the two main demands put forth by the opposition, thus prolonging the country’s four and a half months long political crisis. "The next parliamentary elections will be held in 2024," Prime [...]
Bera Ivanishvili (left) and Irakli Garibashvili. (Newposts.ge) TBILISI, DFWatch--Audio recordings aired by an opposition TV channel in Georgia have caused outrage and demands for the prime minister’s resignation. The recordings, aired Saturday on TV Pirveli, appear to show Georgia’s current PM Irakli Garibashvili and ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili's rapper son Bera discussing with Anzor Chubinidze, [...]
Irakli Garibashvili speaking at Georgian Dream headquarters during his nomination. TBILISI, DFWatch--The opposition in Georgia breathed a sigh of relief Thursday, as Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced his resignation and the MInistry of Internal Affairs postponed the arrest of Nika Melia, leader of the largest opposition party in the country, UNM. Opposition leaders had spent the [...]
Garibashvili is expected to resign on Wednesday (IPN) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili may announce his resignation at a special briefing planned at his office on Wednesday, at 8pm Tbilisi time. The PM’s resignation was reported earlier by Georgian news agencies, and although […]
Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili says the resignations of two ministers, triggering a new vote of confidence, is a ‘healthy political process.’ There will be no more replacements, he added. A third of the ministers have now been changed since […]
(Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili scolded the media on Tuesday for their coverage of Pankisi youth who become radicalized and join Islamic State in Syria. The media have shown an ‘unnatural hysteria’ about this problem, which […]
Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–After a man suspected of killing two policemen evaded arrest for almost a week, Georgia’s prime minister says that government will be ‘ruthless toward crime’. The announcement came after several law-enforcement ministers have talked about tougher […]
Activists for saving Sakdrisi made an exhibition that was on display in parliament in Kutaisi. TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday defended the destruction of an ancient gold mine, arguing that locals need the jobs. Appearing with employees of RMG Gold at the municipal building in Marneuli, a town south of the capital, […]
Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A relative of the prime minister left his position as executive secretary of the Georgian Dream party, the largest member of the ruling coalition. According to a statement issued by GD on Friday, Zviad Jankarashvili left his seat by his own volition. […]
Khaso Khangoshvili, Zaur Gumashvili, Apolon Gaurgashvili and Soltsa Kavtarashvili. (DF Watch.) DUISI, DFWatch–Despite its reputation, Georgia’s Pankisi Gorge is now a quite peaceful place, according to the Council of Elders, an informal body which arbitrates conflicts in the area. The council has a long history here. Its role is to mediate and decide […]
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian prime minister claims Russia is preparing to annex two Georgian breakaway regions. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said this while meeting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday. One of the topics discussed was the […]
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–After sacking and reprimanding his once ally, Prime Minister Garibashvili says if Alasania’s party goes into opposition, this will make the country’s democracy even stronger. Alasania on his part says he thinks the PM has lost face. Garibashvili […]
Irakli Garibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili castigated former Defense Minister Irakli Alasania on Thursday, calling him ‘a traitor’ and ‘an opportunist’. “What Alasania did, is a betrayal of the victory of 2012 and an attempt to deceive the Georgian […]
TBILISI, DFWatch–The de facto government of Abkhazia considers inadequate a proposal by the Georgian prime minister to make Abkhazia an autonomous republic inside Georgia. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili made the proposal […]
Irakli Garibashvili made the comment while inspecting the grape harvesting in Kakheti. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government may change a new controversial law on immigration that has caused a wave of confusion and irritation in the country’s expat community. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said this during a visit to the eastern Kakheti region […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili is joining the Ice Bucket Challenge. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian celebrities, including politicians and journalists, are joining the international charity movement Ice Bucket Challenge, which aims gathering donations to support treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. ALS is a disease […]
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili will visit Armenia on August 21-22. After meeting his Armenian colleague, Gharibashvili and the rest of the Georgian delegation will meet with Armenian government representatives. Prime Minister Hovik […]
Georgian PM Gharibashvili called Sweden’s foreign minister a part of Saakashvili’s friends club. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A war of words developed between Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili on Friday as the two spoke on the phone. In the conversation, Gharibashvili called Bildt, as well as Lithuanian FM Linas Linkevicius, members […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili was given a horse by Patriarch Ilia II. (Photo published on the PM’s Facebook page.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Patriarch Ilia II on Tuesday gave Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili a white horse. The event took place at the end of a visit by the PM to the Patriarch’s hometown Sno in Kazbegi, northern Georgia. The two visited Larsi checkpoint, […]
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Monday criticized non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for not being objective. He said during a meeting with students that it is important for democracy to have a strong, objective and unbiased civil […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia wants to take away one more power from the president: the right to award two top awards. The awards in question are the Shota Rustaveli award and the National awards of Georgia. The government wants to give […]
German Chancellor Angela Merkal and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Photo published on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–German Chancellor Angela Merkel says NATO will not offer Georgia a Membership Action Plan (MAP) at the upcoming summit in Wales in September. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Monday met Merkel during a visit to Germany. At a joint […]
Patriarch Ilia II (seated, left) remains highly liked in Georgia, while former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has had a drop in popularity. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–A new poll published by National Democratic Institute (NDI) shows that Patriarch Ilia II remains the most liked person in Georgia. 96 percent of those asked say the like the patriarch. 61 percent say they like Davit Usupashvili, Speaker of Parliament; […]
Turkey’s President Abdullah Gül (left) and Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The presidents of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey met in Tbilisi on Tuesday and celebrated the cooperation between their countries. The summit was initiated by the Turkish president and the main topic was three joint projects. Two of them are already […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili claims a campaign to reign in illegal surveillance is an attempt to undermine the government. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says demands by influential NGOs to refine legislation to prevent illegal wiretapping is an attack against the government. After the Saakashvili regime lost power in Georgia, several Tbilisi-based […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia has introduced a ‘moratorium’ on prosecuting former officials from the National Movement party of Mikheil Saakashvili, out of fear that it may restrict democratic rights. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–When Georgia finally signs the Association Agreement with the EU by the end of June, it will be the prime minister who does the signing, not the president. Exactly who will sign the agreement – president or prime minister – has been a subject of […]
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia offers investors a favorable environment and a market of potentially 900 million people, Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said during the Georgia-Israel Business Forum. Gharibashvili mentioned that a common system of allowances with 8 countries, […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili emphasized the importance of strengthening local governments and proposed building more public service centers. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia is starting a pilot project to introduce electronic government, or e-government. Representatives of the Justice Ministry on Monday presented an action plan for 2014-2018 named ‘digital Georgia’ which has 11 priority areas. The goal is […]
President Obama and Gharibashvili when they met last month at the White House. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–President Barack Obama writes in a letter that he hopes to meet Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili at the third Nuclear Security Summit in the Hague 23-25 March. The US president’s letter to Gharibashvili, published on Monday, […]
EU Commissioner Stefan Fule (right) during a previous meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili in Brussels February 3, 2014. (Government photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–EU Commissioner Stefan Fule is planning a visit to Georgia next Monday and Tuesday. According to his press office, the Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy will meet with President Giorgi Margvelashvili, Prime Minister […]
US Secretary of State John Kerry next to his Georgian counterpart, Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze. (Photo published by the Georgian government.) TBILISI, DFWatch–US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Georgia in spring 2014. Kerry said after a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Wednesday that he is looking forward to coming to Georgia and that the trip might take place in spring. […]
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili (left) and US President Barack Obama. (Photo published on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Monday met with US Vice President Joe Biden at the White House. President Barack Obama later joined the meeting. Topics included the US-Georgia strategic partnership, the prospects for Georgia’s integration […]
Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili tomorrow begins his first United States visit since assuming office. Gharibashvili, who is accompanied by several of his cabinet ministers, said at a government session on Thursday that it will be the first top […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili proposes to raise the threshold for winning in the first round of local elections to 50 percent. Gharibashvili, who represents the Georgian Dream coalition, suggests having a 50 percent threshold also in mayoral […]
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says he is ready to have direct dialogue with Russian leaders. Gharibashvili’s statement was a response to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said on Monday that he is willing to meet with President […]
Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili (left), NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and State Minister for Euro-Integration Alexi Petriashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The new Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili says NATO ambassadors gave him positive signals at Wednesday’s meeting of the NATO-Georgia commission in Brussels. Gharibashvili said the ambassadors told him the new government has strengthened […]
Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili (left) and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili met with President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso to speak about EU-Georgia cooperation, Georgia’s integration process with the EU. Another topic was the deal with the EU Georgia approved […]
Georgian PM Irakli Gharibashvili (left) and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Fule. (Government photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili’s Brussels trip continued Monday with a meeting with EU Commissioner Stefan Fule. The two spoke about the ongoing reforms in Georgia and the country’s closer integration with Europe. Gharibashvili said […]
Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili will visit Brussels February 3-5. He will meet with Commissioner for European Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule, and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. The Georgian prime […]
Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze (left), Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Photo published by Georgia’s Foreign Ministry.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili has visited Israel to meet with his colleague Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. The meeting with Peres was about the good bilateral relations between the two countries and confirmed an intention to deepen […]
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili has created a consulting group named the Security Council that will work on issues concerning Georgia’s internal and external safety. The council has almost the same duties and responsibilities as the National […]
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Government ministers in Georgia are to be given bonuses according to their performance. Government officials receiving high bonuses was a controversial issue during the previous government. The problem is that under Georgian law, only the salary […]
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili has left for Switzerland to participate in the 44th World Economic Forum in Davos. Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Foreign Affairs Minister Maia Panjikidze, Director […]
Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili will lead the Georgian delegation at the annual Munich Security Conference in two weeks. Mikheil Saakashvili, who stepped down as president three months ago, has been representing Georgia in recent […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The government in Georgia plans to adopt rules that will regulate what type and mark of cars officials will be allowed to have according to their rank. Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili presented the initiative during a more general press conference […]
Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–The Georgian government plans to create an Entrepreneurship Development Agency to spur the growth of business. Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili said this on Wednesday during a meeting with representatives of the business […]
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian prime minister Irakli Gharibashvili plans to visit the US in the first half of 2014, according to the country’s foreign affairs minister. Maia Panjikidze announced the visit while summing up events the last year on Monday, but did not […]
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili (left) and President of Azerbaijan Iljam Aliyev. (Official photo.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia plans to invest USD 400-700 million in the Shah Deniz project in Azerbaijan, according to Energy Minister Kakhi Kaladze. Kaladze was in Azerbaijan December 16-17 along with a delegation from the Georgian government who signed a resolution […]
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili on Monday began an official visit to neighboring Azerbaijan. Gharibashvili will meet President Ilham Aliyev, and December 17 participate in a conference about the financing of the second phase of Shah […]
Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Gharibashvili on Friday appointed new governors in nine of the country’s regions. The new governors are Irakli Shiolashvili, lawyer, in Kakheti, Zaza Meparishvili, engineer and lawyer, in Imereti, Zurab Rusishvili, […]
Irakli Gharibashvili, Georgia’s Prime Minister. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili has strongly criticized the former ruling party, the National Movement, in an interview on Russia Today, the state-owned Russian television station. It’s a bit difficult to understand the opposition, they […]
From left to right: Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili, his wife Nunuka Tamazashvili and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. (Photo published on Facebook.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili was Sunday elected as new leader of the Georgian Dream Democratic Georgia Party. Gharibashvili took over as leader after Bidzina Ivanishvili, who founded Georgian Dream two years ago. Delegates also voted for […]
Irakli Gharibashvili in parliament Tuesday. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Parliament plans to confirm the new government on Wednesday. On Tuesday, parliamentary committees listened to speeches by the minister candidates and asked them questions. A sharp exchange developed between Prime Minister candidate Irakli […]
Georgia’s new Interior Minister Alexandre Chikaidze. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Police Colonel Alexandre Chikaidze will replace Irakli Gharibashvili and become new Georgian Interior Minister. Chikaidze was presented by Prime Minister Gharibashvili on Saturday. The 28 year-old Chikaidze graduated from Tbilisi State […]
Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia’s new prime minister, Irakli Gharibashvili, will select his own replacement as interior minister. It was earlier thought that outgoing Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili would decide who will take over as Interior Minister. Ivanishvili explained that now […]
Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch–Bidzina Ivanishvili on Saturday announced Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili as candidate for new prime minister. Ivanishvili presented the new PM at a press conference at the Georgian Dream coalition headquarters at 15:15. “According to the new […]
TBILISI, DFWatch — One would think Georgia’s fresh interior minister would have his hands full, as his government has enforced a mass amnesty which has freed more than three thousand prisoners, but Irakli Gharibashivli says the crime situation in the country hasn’t […]
Interior Minister Irakli Gharibashvili. (Interpressnews.) TBILISI, DFWatch — The Georgian interior minister says he has discovered audio files of all his phone calls for a whole year, secretly recorded and stored on computer disk. Irakli Gharibashvili was Tuesday invited to the TV channel Rustavi 2 to sum up the government’s […]
