**Ivanishvili Supports Kobakhidze as PM**
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the leader of Georgia’s ruling party Georgian Dream (GD), wants Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to stay in office. This was announced by Mamuka Mdinaradze, the GD’s executive secretary.
The decision was made after a meeting of the GD’s political council today. According to the party’s statute, Ivanishvili has the power to nominate the Prime Minister. Mdinaradze also said that the GD faction will propose Shalva Papuashvili for the post of Parliament Speaker. He has been holding this position since 2021.
**Parliament and President Elections**
The first session of Parliament is set to take place on November 25. After the session, the date for electing Georgia’s sixth President will be decided. The new President will be elected by a special group of 300 representatives from Parliament, Abkhazia, Adjara, and local authorities.
Despite constitutional complaints filed by President Salome Zurabishvili and opposition members about the fairness of recent elections, the GD party plans to hold the first session as planned. This means that only GD MPs will be present in a new Parliament.
**No Legal Hurdles**
Mamuka Mdinaradze said there are no laws in Georgia’s legal system that would prevent the convening of Parliament. The opposition has vowed not to enter or legitimize the new Parliament, calling the elections rigged.