Opinion from Tbilisi: 'Everything is in place for Prime Minister Kobakhidze's resignation'

Political analyst Gia Khukhashvili predicts that Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze could resign soon. The analyst focuses on Kobakhidze’s remarks at a government meeting on 7 October, where he spoke about projects completed and currently under way during his time as prime minister.

Also on 7 October, Kobakhidze appointed Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili as deputy prime minister. Khukhashvili sees this as a possible signal of upcoming changes in the government. He believes Kvrivishvili could eventually replace Kobakhidze.

On 7 October, the government held its first meeting in a month. Irakli Kobakhidze spoke about projects completed and currently under way in various sectors during his time as prime minister. Kobakhidze spent more than half an hour reviewing the government’s record.

Gia Khukhashvili: “Everything is in place for his [Kobakhidze’s] resignation. In fact, he has been powerless for a long time. No minister in the executive branch feels accountable to him. A purely technical government has been formed.

I would not rule out the possibility that [his lengthy speech at today’s government meeting] means exactly that. I can support this with the fact that Mariam Kvrivishvili has been promoted to deputy prime minister. That also happened today, and it is another sign that the end of his premiership is near.

It is possible that during the transition period, Mariam Kvrivishvili could become acting prime minister to ensure continuity until a new prime minister takes office. However, I would not rule out the possibility that Kvrivishvili herself could become the new prime minister.”

Opinion: 'Signs of cult-like behaviour are becoming increasingly apparent in ruling Georgian Dream party'

Sociologist Iago Kachkachishvili comments on an open letter by the speaker of the Georgian parliament, published on the 666th day of continuous protests.

“Anything is possible — these are games at the royal court, after all. I do not see either Kobakhidze or [former prime minister] Garibashvili as real actors in the political process. There have been periods when they were given more room to manoeuvre, but they are not real players.

Anything is possible. The main and most important decisions, the fundamental ones, are made elsewhere. Someone else decides whom to hang and whom to pardon, and we all know his first and last name [Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of Georgian Dream — JAMnews].

And this is just some petty squabbling among small-time people.”

Gia Khukhashvili on possible resignation of Kobakhidze