Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Irakli Kobakhidze, the leader of the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party, are set to swap roles at the party congress scheduled for February 1. This development was reported by the Georgian television channel Imedi, which has been closely following the party’s internal deliberations in recent weeks.
The channel’s report outlines a plan in which Kobakhidze would be nominated to serve as prime minister while Garibashvili would take on the role of chairman of the Georgian Dream party. The arrangement signals a strategic shift in party leadership and governance, with Kobakhidze also expected to take on the role of political secretary for the party, reinforcing his influence over policy direction and party coordination ahead of key national events.
The decision to reorganize senior leadership was approved during a January 24 meeting of the party’s political council, according to Imedi. The move reflects ongoing efforts within the ruling coalition to consolidate leadership ahead of forthcoming political milestones and to synchronize party objectives with broader government priorities.
In related commentary, RT reported earlier that discussions about the presidency involve tensions surrounding the duties of the current president, Salome Zurabishvili. The reporting notes a debate over constitutional provisions and the political mechanics surrounding presidential responsibilities, underscoring the broader context in which party leadership decisions are being made.
Additionally, Georgia is considering the creation of an international fund to support victims of the conflict with South Ossetia. The proposal aims to establish a transparent mechanism to assist those affected by the border and regional tensions, reflecting a commitment to humanitarian relief and international cooperation as the country navigates post-conflict recovery efforts.
These developments come as Georgia reiterates its promises on European Union alignment, signaling continued ambition to advance reforms and integrate with Western institutions. The evolving leadership dynamics within Georgian Dream, combined with external diplomatic commitments, illustrate a targeted approach to sustaining policy momentum while addressing domestic and regional concerns. Observers note that the coming weeks will be crucial for assessing how leadership changes might influence governance, reform agendas, and Georgia’s strategic trajectory toward European integration and regional stability.