Irakli Garibashvili facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irakli Garibashvili
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ირაკლი ღარიბაშვილი
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Garibashvili in 2023
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| 11th and 15th Prime Minister of Georgia | |
| In office 22 February 2021 – 8 February 2024 |
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| President | Salome Zourabichvili |
| Deputy | Thea Tsulukiani Levan Davitashvili |
| Preceded by | Maya Tskitishvili (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Irakli Kobakhidze |
| In office 20 November 2013 – 30 December 2015 |
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| President | Giorgi Margvelashvili |
| Deputy | Giorgi Kvirikashvili Kakha Kaladze |
| Preceded by | Bidzina Ivanishvili |
| Succeeded by | Giorgi Kvirikashvili |
| Chairman of Georgian Dream | |
| In office 1 February 2024 – 25 April 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Irakli Kobakhidze |
| Succeeded by | Irakli Kobakhidze |
| In office 15 November 2013 – 30 December 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Bidzina Ivanishvili |
| Succeeded by | Giorgi Kvirikashvili |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 8 September 2019 – 22 February 2021 |
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| Prime Minister | Giorgi Gakharia |
| Preceded by | Levan Izoria |
| Succeeded by | Juansher Burchuladze |
| Minister of Internal Affairs | |
| In office 25 October 2012 – 17 November 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | Bidzina Ivanishvili |
| Preceded by | Ekaterine Zguladze (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Aleksandre Chikaidze |
| Political Secretary of Georgian Dream | |
| In office 5 March 2019 – 1 February 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Gia Volski |
| Succeeded by | Irakli Kobakhidze |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 June 1982 Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union |
| Political party | Independent (2015–2019, 2025–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
Georgian Dream (2012–2015, 2019–2025) |
| Spouse | Nunuka Tamazashvili |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | Tbilisi State University Pantheon-Sorbonne University |
| Signature |  |
Irakli Garibashvili (Georgian: ირაკლი ღარიბაშვილი; born June 28, 1982) is a Georgian politician. He has served as the prime minister of Georgia two times. He was the 15th Prime Minister from 2021 until his resignation in 2024. Before that, he was the 11th Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015. Garibashvili is a member of the Georgian Dream political party. He has also served as the party's chairman. He started his political career in October 2012 with his long-time friend, Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Garibashvili held other important government jobs. He was the Defence Minister of Georgia from 2019 to 2021. Before that, he was the Minister of Internal Affairs from 2012 to 2013. When Bidzina Ivanishvili stepped down as Prime Minister in 2013, he chose Garibashvili to take his place. At 31 years old, Garibashvili was the youngest person to become Prime Minister of Georgia.
Contents
- Early Life and Education
- Beginning His Political Journey
- Serving as Minister of Internal Affairs
- First Time as Prime Minister (2013–2015)
- Back to Private Business
- Second Time as Prime Minister (2021–2024)
- Public Opinion
- Political Views
- Personal Life
- Honors
- See also
Early Life and Education
Irakli Garibashvili went to secondary school in Dedoplistsqaro from 1988 to 1999. He then studied International Relations at Tbilisi State University (TSU) from 1999 to 2005. He earned a master's degree there. He also studied at the Pantheon-Sorbonne University in Paris, France, from 2002 to 2004.
Since 2004, he has worked closely with the wealthy businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili. He started in the logistics part of a construction company owned by Ivanishvili. Later, he became the Director General of Ivanishvili's charity foundation, Cartu, in 2005. He also joined the board of Ivanishvili's Cartu Bank in 2007. From 2009 to 2012, he directed the music label "Georgian Dream," which was started by Ivanishvili's son, Bera.
Beginning His Political Journey
Garibashvili became involved in Georgian politics when Bidzina Ivanishvili started his political party, Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia, in February 2012. Garibashvili was one of the first members of the party. He was also in charge of the party's revision committee. He was chosen as a candidate for MP in the October 2012 parliamentary election. After the Georgian Dream coalition won the election, Irakli Garibashvili became a representative in the Parliament of Georgia.
Serving as Minister of Internal Affairs
After the Georgian Dream party won the 2012 election, Garibashvili was appointed as the Minister of Internal Affairs. He took this role on October 25, 2012, in Prime Minister Ivanishvili's government. At 30 years old, Garibashvili was the youngest member of the new government.
One of the Georgian Dream party's main goals was to change the Interior Ministry. This agency is in charge of the police, security, intelligence services, and border guards. The party also promised to "restore justice" and investigate officials from the previous government.
During his time as Minister, Garibashvili said he would make the Interior Ministry less political. As part of this, some departments were removed. A special group was also set up to handle many secret surveillance files found in the Ministry. These files were destroyed in August 2013, with media and commission members watching.
Garibashvili's agency also dealt with a rise in crime after the government gave a large-scale prison amnesty. This amnesty was meant to lower Georgia's high number of people in prison. Garibashvili did not agree with the amnesty project, but the parliament still put it into action.
First Time as Prime Minister (2013–2015)
On November 2, 2013, Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili announced he would leave the government. He then named Garibashvili as his replacement. Garibashvili and his cabinet were approved by the Parliament of Georgia with a vote of 93 to 19 on November 20, 2013. This made Garibashvili the most powerful political leader in Georgia. This was because changes to the constitution had moved power from the president to the prime minister and the government.
During parliamentary debates, Garibashvili promised to improve the economy. He also said that Georgia's goals to join the European Union (EU) and NATO would remain his top foreign policy priorities.
On November 24, 2013, he was also chosen as the chairman of the Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia party. He took over from Ivanishvili in this role. Garibashvili announced his resignation as Prime Minister on December 23, 2015. The reason for his sudden departure was not officially given. However, some reports suggested it was due to lower public support for the Georgian Dream party. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who was his Minister of Foreign Affairs, took over as Prime Minister on December 29.
Government Actions and Policies
During his time as Prime Minister, the Security and Crisis Management Council was created. This was a requirement of the new Georgian Constitution. Also, a Unified Coordination Center for Crisis Management was set up with help from the US, UK, and Israel. To manage the country's economy, Irakli Garibashvili also created the Economic Council.
Human Rights Focus
The Georgian Government, with support from the European Union, started to develop a Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan. Prime Minister Garibashvili spoke about this at a Human Rights Conference on December 4, 2013. This strategy was designed to last for seven years and not change with different political leaders.
Foreign Relations
During his first term, Garibashvili visited nearby countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. He also traveled to several European nations, the United States, Israel, and China. He took part in many international meetings. While relations with Russia improved, there were no official state visits to or from Russia.
Building stronger ties with the European Union was a major goal. This led to the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, which was signed on June 27, 2014. This agreement included a free trade deal between Georgia and the EU. It also helped pave the way for Georgians to travel to the Schengen Area without a visa, which happened in 2017.
Back to Private Business
In February 2018, Garibashvili started working as a regional advisor for the board of the CEFC China Energy company.
Second Time as Prime Minister (2021–2024)
Becoming Prime Minister Again
Nika Melia, the leader of the United National Movement party, was accused of organizing violence during protests in 2019. When Melia did not pay his bail, a Georgian court decided he should be arrested. Because of this decision, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia resigned on February 18, 2021. The ruling Georgian Dream party then chose Garibashvili to replace Gakharia. The Parliament voted 89 to 2 to appoint Garibashvili on February 22. Melia was arrested the next day.
Policies and Events in Georgia
Namakhvani HPP Project
Garibashvili stopped the construction of the Namakhvan HPP. This project had been agreed upon by the previous government. On March 14, 2021, many local people protested against the power plant in Kutaisi. They were worried about the environment. By the end of March, Garibashvili announced a deal with the construction company to delay the project. In May 2021, a large protest against the construction was held in Tbilisi. Garibashvili said the project would not continue under the current contract. In March 2022, the private company ended the contract. Garibashvili stated that the government would build a plant later under better conditions.
Public Protests and Values
On July 5, 2021, a public event was planned in Tbilisi. This event was opposed by some conservative groups. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said that holding the event in the main avenue would cause serious safety risks. He asked the organizers to choose a different location or cancel the event. He warned that it would upset many Georgians. The event was eventually canceled because protesters occupied the area. Garibashvili later said that Georgia is a conservative country with Christian values. He stated that such events are not accepted by most Georgians. He also said that "minorities will no longer decide the fate of the majority in this country."
Arrest of Mikheil Saakashvili
On October 1, 2021, Mikheil Saakashvili, the third president of Georgia, announced he had returned to Georgia. He had left Georgia in 2013 and was wanted by the court for certain charges. The ruling Georgian Dream party first denied he was in Georgia. However, Irakli Garibashvili later announced that Saakashvili had been arrested. According to the investigation, Saakashvili entered the country secretly. Saakashvili said the charges against him were politically motivated. He went on a hunger strike to protest his arrest. His health became worse in prison. The government said Saakashvili was trying to avoid prison by harming himself.
Gambling Rules
In December 2021, the Parliament passed a new law about gambling. This law was started by the Garibashvili government. It made the rules for the gambling industry stricter. The law raised the age limit for gambling to 25. It also banned gambling for government workers and people who are financially vulnerable. A list would be made for people who have gambling problems. The law also banned most types of gambling advertisements. It also increased taxes on gambling companies. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said that gambling addiction was a "big problem" for the population, especially for young people.
Proposed Foreign Influence Law
On March 7, 2023, the Georgian parliament passed a first reading of a law. This law would label organizations that get more than 20% of their money from outside Georgia as "agents of foreign influence." Garibashvili was a key figure in trying to pass this bill. He said the bill met "European and global standards." After the parliament voted for the bill, many protesters gathered. They were met with police and water cannons. On March 9, the government announced it would withdraw the bill because of the protests. All arrested protesters were released. On March 10, the bill was officially defeated.
New Surrogacy Law
On June 12, 2023, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced a new surrogacy law. This law would ban commercial surrogacy. It would also stop people from other countries from using surrogacy services in Georgia. Garibashvili said the law was needed to protect Georgian women. He also said it would ensure child safety.
Resignation from Prime Minister Role
On January 29, 2024, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced he was stepping down. He said it was important for the party to have internal democracy and to "give others a chance." He also said he accepted an offer to become the Chairman of the Georgian Dream party. He thanked various party members and government officials for their support.
Foreign Relations During Second Term
Irakli Garibashvili made his first official visit to Brussels in March 2021. He met with the President of the European Parliament and other important political leaders. He thanked them for their support.
During his time as Prime Minister, Garibashvili said his goal was for Georgia to join the European Union. He also aimed to bring peace to the country. He visited many countries and started new relationships with them. These included Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and China.
Garibashvili visited Ukraine in August 2021. He met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They discussed making relations between their countries stronger. Garibashvili called Ukraine a strategic partner.
In September 2021, Garibashvili went to New York. He spoke at the 76th session of the United Nations. He said Georgia was ready to help improve relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He also said Georgia would do everything possible for peace in the South Caucasus. While in New York, he met with many world leaders.
On October 18, 2021, the US Defense Secretary visited Georgia. Garibashvili met him to discuss improving defense cooperation between the US and Georgia.
On October 24, 2022, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited Georgia. He and Garibashvili held a meeting with journalists. They announced they would strengthen their relationship. They also said Georgia would transport more oil from Azerbaijan through the Black Sea.
In December 2022, a decision was made in Davos to build a new oil terminal. This project involves Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary. Billions of dollars will be spent, and all countries involved will benefit. The project is expected to be ready by 2027.
On May 4, 2023, Garibashvili attended a conference in Hungary. He gave a main speech at the event. In his speech, he supported traditional values. He also praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
In July 2023, Garibashvili hosted Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov in Georgia. After that, he visited China and Kazakhstan. During his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, they promised to work together more closely. They announced a "strategic partnership" between China and Georgia.
Also in July, Garibashvili visited Croatia. He met Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. This was the first time a Georgian Prime Minister had visited Croatia. The Croatian Prime Minister confirmed his support for Georgia's territory and its goal to join the European Union. They also promised to improve economic cooperation. A Georgian embassy was planned to open in Zagreb.
Applying to Join the European Union
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Georgia worried that Russia might invade again. Because of these concerns, on March 3, 2022, Garibashvili signed Georgia's application to become a member of the European Union (EU). On the same day, Moldova also applied for EU membership.
In June 2022, the European Council said it was ready to give Georgia candidate status. This would happen after Georgia completed a set of reforms suggested by the EU commission.
Second Resignation
On January 29, 2024, Garibashvili announced he would step down as Prime Minister. He said he would become the chairman of the Georgian Dream party instead. This change happened before parliamentary elections later that year. He served as chairman from February 1, 2024, until April 25, 2025. After that, he said he would return to private business.
Public Opinion
Irakli Garibashvili has often had high approval ratings among public figures in Georgia. For example, in a June 2021 poll, he had a 40% approval rating. This made him the fifth most approved public figure in Georgia at that time. He was behind the Patriarch Ilia II, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, and former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.
In a March 2022 poll, 47% of people said they had a good opinion of Garibashvili. This made him the fourth most approved public figure. He was behind Patriarch Ilia II, Mayor Kakha Kaladze, and President Salome Zurabishvili. In October 2022, Garibashvili was the third most approved public figure. He was behind Patriarch Ilia II and Kakha Kaladze. In March 2023, he was again in fourth place.
Political Views
Garibashvili is often described as a conservative politician. He has supported the conservative side in several debates. For example, regarding a public event in 2021, he said that "95% of our population are against holding propagandistic parade." He added that Georgia "is a conservative society" with unique values based on Orthodox Christianity. He emphasized that the minority should not decide for the majority. In 2014, he suggested adding a definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman to the Constitution of Georgia. This was to balance opposition from conservatives to a new anti-discrimination law.
In a speech in 2021, Garibashvili said that the idea of a "small state" was a "myth" that stopped the country from growing. He said the government should play an active role in the economy. He also said that Georgia should become more economically self-sufficient.
Garibashvili was against making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory. He said that Georgian citizens should have "the right and an opportunity of free choice."
Personal Life
Garibashvili is married to Nunuka Tamazashvili (born 1983). They have four children: three sons named Nikoloz (born 2005), Andria (born 2010), Gabriel (born 2015), and one daughter named Nino (born 2016). His father-in-law, Tamaz Tamazashvili, was a police general. He was arrested in 2011. Garibashvili, who was in the opposition at the time, said the arrest was politically motivated. After the Georgian Dream party came to power in 2012, Tamazashvili was released from prison. Besides Georgian, Garibashvili also speaks English, French, and Russian.
Honors
On August 23, 2021, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave Garibashvili the first degree Order of Merit. This happened during the Crimea Platform summit.
See also
In Spanish: Irakli Garibashvili para niños
