Irakli Garibashvili (Georgian: ირაკლი ღარიბაშვილი, born 28 June 1982) is a Georgian politician and former business executive who has served as Prime Minister of Georgia in two separate periods. He rose to national prominence as a leading figure in the Georgian Dream political movement and has played a central role in the country’s government since the early 2010s. His career blends private‑sector experience with rapid advancement through ministerial and party ranks.

Early life and background

Garibashvili was born in 1982 and entered public life after a period in the business sector. Details of his early education and business career are widely reported in Georgian media. He joined the Georgian Dream coalition as the movement grew into a dominant political force following the parliamentary elections of the early 2010s. Within that framework he became close to the movement’s founders and senior figures.

Political career and premierships

Garibashvili was first appointed Prime Minister of Georgia on 20 November 2013. During that first term he led a government focused on stabilizing the economy, public administration reform and continuing Georgia’s stated aim of closer ties with European institutions and NATO while managing complex relations with Russia. He resigned on 23 December 2015, citing personal reasons and making way for a successor.

He returned to lead the government again in 2021. In this later period he continued to head a government formed under the auspices of Georgian Dream, confronting domestic political disputes and international pressures. As prime minister he is identified with the party’s pragmatic approach to governance and with efforts to preserve political stability.

Policy profile and public image

  • Domestic policy: His governments have emphasized economic stability, investment‑friendly measures and social spending in different phases.
  • Foreign policy: Officials under his leadership have spoken of pursuing closer ties with the European Union and NATO while managing relations with neighboring countries.
  • Public image: He is regarded by supporters as a manager‑style leader and by critics as closely aligned with the Georgian Dream leadership and its founders.

Criticism and controversies

Garibashvili’s tenure has been accompanied by debate over the concentration of political influence within the ruling movement, transparency of decision making, and the pace of democratic reforms. Opposition parties and some international observers have at times raised concerns about media freedom, judicial independence and the robustness of democratic institutions under successive governments. Supporters counter that his administrations have delivered stability and continuity.

For further official and biographical sources see the relevant government pages and profiles of Georgia’s executive leadership, including descriptions of the office of the Prime Minister of Georgia. His role remains significant in contemporary Georgian politics as the country navigates domestic reform priorities and international relations.