**US Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili**
The United States has imposed sanctions on Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, accusing him of undermining democracy and dragging Georgia towards Russia.
**Reactions from the Government**
The ruling party in Georgia welcomed the US decision. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that the sanctions were a reward for protecting the country’s national interests. He added that the opposition had lost its last tool of blackmail.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, spokesperson for the ruling party, also reacted positively to the news. “We rejoice at our people’s decisions while they – at other countries’ decisions,” he said.
**Reactions from the Opposition**
The opposition in Georgia welcomed the US sanctions as a victory for their struggle against Ivanishvili. Giorgi Vashadze, coalition leader, said that the people’s protest had brought results and was a success.
Nika Melia, Coalition for Change, accused Ivanishvili of being an oligarch who only cared about money. “He did not sort it out! He is losing what is everything to him – money!” he said.
Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the opposition party, was more cautious in his reaction. “Ultimately, this means nothing in terms of the political processes that are taking place in the country today,” he said.
**International Reactions**
The US Helsinki Commission welcomed the sanctions, saying that Ivanishvili had undermined Georgian democracy and attacked peaceful protesters.
US lawmakers Joe Wilson, Thom Tillis, and others also reacted positively to the news. The Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs called it “finally” and welcomed the decision. The Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs said it was time for Ivanishvili to pay the price for undermining democratic processes in Georgia.
**What’s Next?**
The opposition is celebrating their victory, but some are warning that the sanctions may not mean much in terms of changing the country’s politics. The government has also welcomed the news, saying that it shows a change in the US policy towards Georgia.
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