Islam Times - Georgia prime minister announces resignation

Islam Times - Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has announced resignation from his government position and politics.

Ivanishvili, who served as the prime minister from October 25, 2012 to November 20, this year, announced his withdrawal from politics at a party congress in the capital Tbilisi.

“I am quitting politics but I will remain an active citizen,” he said.

Ivanishvili entered politics two years ago. He founded and led the Georgian Dream coalition, which won the 2012 parliamentary election against the United National Movement of former President Mikheil Saakashvili.

He named his long-time associate Irakli Gharibashvili as his successor.

“The most important thing is that the ideals and values of… Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream will be more and more important for our society,” said Director of the Tbilisi School of Political Studies Armaz Akhvlediani.

There have been different reactions to Ivanishvili's resignations. Some believe that he and his political coalition will still have a positive impact for Georgia.

Others have said that the former premier will continue to manage the county from behind the scenes. Ivanishvili, however, has rejected the speculation, describing it as "absurd."