Irakli Pavlenishvili: It appears that a “clan” struggle and battle at the oligarch’s court is underway

It is clear that Ivanishvili is struggling with personnel issues, and a “clan” struggle and battle at the oligarch’s court is underway, said Irakli Pavlenishvili, deputy secretary-general of the “Unity National Movement,” commenting on the resignation of Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri.

Speaking to journalists, Pavlenishvili stated that Vakhtang Gomelauri’s name is associated with numerous serious crimes.

“We have witnessed unprecedented crackdowns in Georgia’s history, an epic of inhumane treatment and torture, when our fellow citizens were treated so brutally on Rustaveli Avenue. Therefore, Mr. Gomelauri’s ‘background’ will always be marked by these very serious crimes. As for personnel changes or ‘purges’ at the oligarch’s court, they are irrelevant. What matters is what decisions Ivanishvili makes, and who carries them out has no fundamental significance. However, it is clear that Ivanishvili is struggling with personnel, and a ‘clan’ struggle and battle at the oligarch’s court is underway,” Pavlenishvili stated.

He further explained that Vakhtang Gomelauri’s name is “linked not to preventing unrest but to the torture and inhumane treatment of innocent, peaceful students.”

“Whoever executes Ivanishvili’s orders, their name and surname are completely irrelevant, especially since instructions for punitive, repressive measures will be given to the Interior Minister,” Pavlenishvili added.

For reference, Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri resigned from his post today. Gomelauri explained that he stepped down voluntarily to “spend more time with his family—his wife, children, and newly acquired grandchild.”

Gomelauri noted that this decision was not easy for him, but despite stepping down, he remains loyal to “Georgian Dream.”

Vakhtang Gomelauri will be replaced by Gela Geladze as Interior Minister. Geladze was nominated for the position by Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Until now, Gela Geladze served as the deputy head of the State Security Service. Previously, he was deputy minister of education and later deputy minister of defense.