Billionaire Ivanishvili's Influence Looms Over Georgia's Pivotal Election

As Georgia approaches a crucial election, Bidzina Ivanishvili's stance against Western alignment raises concerns about potential conflict with Russia.

• Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest individual and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has become a central figure in the upcoming national election.
• Ivanishvili warns against Western influence, labeling it a 'Global War Party' that could drag Georgia into conflict similar to Ukraine's situation.
• The Georgian Dream party, although leading in polls, is losing ground since its narrow win in 2020, amid criticism of Ivanishvili's control over state institutions.
• Ivanishvili's shift from a pro-Western stance to increased anti-West rhetoric has led to strained relations with the U.S. and EU, impacting aid and membership prospects.
• Despite his controversial influence, Ivanishvili remains a revered figure in rural Georgia due to his philanthropic contributions, while opposition voices call for new leadership.

3 Articles

The Independent NDTV