**Georgian Dream Minister Steps Down Amid Party’s Leadership Shakeup**
In a move that has sparked speculation about the party’s intentions, Georgian Dream’s Minister of Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze has resigned from his position. He will be replaced by Revaz Sokhadze, the Prime Minister announced on April 24.
Karseladze had been serving as the Minister of Infrastructure since February 2021, and according to Prime Minister Kobakhidze, he stepped down at his own request. In a statement, Kobakhidze thanked Karseladze for his service, noting that “many important projects were implemented over the years under his leadership.”
In his farewell remarks, Karseladze expressed gratitude to Kobakhidze, Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and others who supported him. However, he did not elaborate on the reasons behind his resignation, leaving many to speculate about what led to his decision.
Sokhadze, 47, is a veteran of the party’s inner circle. He has served as the majoritarian representative of the Samgori district in the Tbilisi City Assembly since 2017 and was also the chair of the Urban Planning and Municipal Utilities Commission of the capital. His appointment to the post of Minister of Infrastructure suggests that Georgian Dream is looking for someone with a strong background in local governance.
**GD’s Leadership Shakeup Ahead of Local Elections**
Karseladze’s resignation comes at a time when the party has been reshuffling its ranks since early April. These changes have sparked speculation that one of the reasons is to further tighten control ahead of the October 4 local elections and to try to deal with the ongoing political crisis.
As the country heads towards local elections, tensions between Georgian Dream and opposition parties are running high. The party’s moves may be seen as an attempt to consolidate power and maintain its grip on government institutions.
In a recent interview, Kobakhidze was defiant about the party’s achievements despite growing criticism from opposition forces. He also slammed “agents” – likely referring to foreign-backed organizations – who he claimed were trying to undermine Georgian Dream’s efforts.
The appointment of Sokhadze as Minister of Infrastructure is seen by many as part of GD’s effort to solidify its position ahead of local elections. While the move may seem routine on the surface, it could have far-reaching implications for the country’s governance and politics in the coming months.
**Commentary**
The resignation of Irakli Karseladze and the appointment of Revaz Sokhadze as his replacement suggest that Georgian Dream is serious about making changes to its leadership ahead of local elections. While the party has maintained its grip on power, these moves may be seen as an attempt to reassure voters and maintain stability in the face of growing criticism from opposition forces.
However, many questions remain unanswered, including what led to Karseladze’s resignation and whether GD’s leadership shuffle will be enough to stem the tide of public discontent. As the country heads towards local elections, one thing is clear: Georgian Dream’s grip on power is being tested like never before.
**Deeper Analysis**
The leadership changes in Georgian Dream are part of a larger trend of consolidation and centralization within the party. By appointing Revaz Sokhadze as Minister of Infrastructure, GD may be trying to further tighten its control over government institutions ahead of local elections.
However, this move also raises questions about the party’s commitment to decentralization and local governance. As the country prepares for local elections, voters are likely to scrutinize GD’s record on issues such as transparency, accountability, and civic participation.
Ultimately, the outcome of these changes will depend on how effectively GD can manage public perception and expectations ahead of local elections. Will its leadership shuffle be enough to win back the trust of skeptical voters? Only time will tell.
