I am leaving the position of Prime Minister, said Irakli Garibashvili at the briefing held in the governmental administration.

“I would like to inform the public about the decision we discussed with the team. Today I am leaving the Prime Minister’s post.

Let me briefly but clearly explain the reasons for this decision. At the end of last year, I submitted to the public an extensive report on my three years of work.

As you know, I started working as the Head of the Government for the 2nd term in the most difficult period, in the conditions of domestic and international political, economic and social crises.

I served Georgia honestly, uncompromisingly defended the interests of our country and people, and I am proud of the results we have achieved together during this period.

During the governance period of Georgian Dream, I had to work in this highest position twice, the longest in total, I was the Prime Minister for 5 years.

One of the main factors of the strength of our political team is internal democracy, the most obvious manifestation of which is the principle of rotation. There are many successful leaders in the team and they need to be given the opportunity.

Moreover, now we are facing new tasks, we will elect a new parliament in the fall, and Georgian Dream must prepare to win the elections convincingly, so that we can continue to advance to achieve other bigger goals.

I won’t hide from you that in the political council we discussed the possibility of me staying until the summer, before the start of the election campaign, but I chose to make this decision now. It is important that the next prime minister presents his team on time and forms a new Government. I wish success to the new prime minister”, - he added.