Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announces resignation

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced at a press briefing on Monday that he is stepping down.

“I would like to inform the public about a decision I’ve discussed with my team. Today, I am leaving the post of prime minister,” he told journalists.

Garibashvili said he will become the new chairman of the country’s ruling party, Georgian Dream. According to media reports, current party leader Irakli Kobakhidze will take Garibashvili’s place as prime minister.

“There are many successful leaders on our team, and it’s necessary to give others the opportunity [to serve as prime minister]. Especially as we have new tasks ahead of us: we’ll elect a new parliament in the fall, and Georgian Dream must prepare for a decisive win so that we can continue moving towards other, larger, goals,” Garibashvili explained.