Irakli Garibashvili entered the office of Prime Minister of Georgia on 20 November 2013 at age 31, becoming the youngest person to hold the position in the country's history. His career, which spans roles from business executive to multiple ministerial appointments, has unfolded within the framework of the Georgian Dream party, where he has served as a central figure since 2012.
Background and Professional Foundations
Born in Tbilisi in 1982, Garibashvili pursued studies in international relations. He attended Tbilisi State University from 1999 to 2005, earning a master's degree, while also completing coursework at the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne between 2002 and 2004. Early in his professional life, he moved into the private sector, working with entrepreneur Bidzina Ivanishvili. From 2005, he managed the Cartu charity foundation and later served on the supervisory board of Cartu Bank. His involvement with the Georgian Dream label, associated with the founder's son, preceded his transition into formal governance.
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Garibashvili joined the Parliament of Georgia in 2012. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs, a role he held until 2013. During this period, he oversaw the restructuring of security departments and directed the destruction of thousands of illegal surveillance files. His tenure also involved managing the repercussions of a large-scale prison amnesty, which was implemented by parliament despite his opposition. Later, he served as Minister of Defence of Georgia from 2019 to 2021.
Premiership Terms
Garibashvili held the office of Prime Minister of Georgia during two distinct periods, from 2013 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2024. Following the resignation of Bidzina Ivanishvili in 2013, he secured a parliamentary vote to assume the premiership. His first term was characterized by the implementation of a long-term human rights strategy and the establishment of the Economic Council and the Security and Crisis Management Council. In 2024, he concluded his second term and returned to service as a member of the parliament.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Tbilisi
- Citizenship: Georgia
- Primary Political Affiliation: Georgian Dream
- Prime Minister of Georgia: 2013-2015, 2021-2024
- Minister of Defence: 2019-2021
- Minister of Internal Affairs: 2012-2013
- Education: Tbilisi State University, University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne
- Awards: Order of Merit (1st class), Order of La Pléiade
Questions readers ask
What languages does Irakli Garibashvili speak?
He is fluent in Georgian, English, Russian, and French.
When did he first serve as Prime Minister?
His first term as Prime Minister of Georgia began on 20 November 2013 and lasted until his resignation on 30 December 2015.
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Georgia (2013–2015)
- Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia (2012–2013)
- Minister of Defence of Georgia (2019–2021)
- Prime Minister of Georgia (2021–2024)
- Order of Merit, 1st class — 2021
- Order of La Pléiade
- Educated at Tbilisi State University and University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne
