The U.S. has recently sanctioned former Prime Minister of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, accusing him of trying to derail Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future for the benefit of Russia. Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, has a net worth of $7.6 billion, which exceeds a quarter of the country’s GDP.
Following the sanctions, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City striker, has taken over as the President of Georgia, replacing pro-western Salome Zourabichvili.
The sanctions on Ivanishvili came after the disputed elections on October 26, where the Georgian Dream was declared the winner, extending its 12-year hold on power. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s decision to suspend talks regarding EU accession plans led to ongoing protests and tensions within the country.
During one of the protests, an effigy of Ivanishvili was burnt, reflecting the belief among citizens that he continues to influence the Georgian Dream and its policies despite his short-lived Prime Ministership.
Born in 1956 in western Georgia, Ivanishvili’s career started in the Soviet Union selling electronic goods before branching out into mining and banking. His ties with Moscow date back to his involvement in financing political campaigns and navigating the Russian bureaucracy.
Ties with Moscow
Ivanishvili entered politics during a period of disenchantment with the rule of Mikheil Saakashvili, offering a vision of socialist democracy to the people. He has been associated with anti-Western rhetoric, ‘Christian values’, and controversial remarks, creating a divide between those who support integration with the EU and those aligned with the Georgian Dream’s ideology.
Despite opposition and pressure from the West, the Georgian Dream continues to tighten its grip on power, with Ivanishvili remaining a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape.
Published – January 05, 2025 01:53 am IST
