The Political Council of the Georgian Dream [GD] marked the party’s 13th anniversary by saying that on April 21, 2012, Bidzina Ivanishvili founded the movement and began a “decisive fight” against a “bloody dictatorship”.

“Today marks 13 years since the founding of the GD. On April 21, 2012, Bidzina Ivanishvili created this political union and, during challenging times, at the risk of his own and his family’s lives, declared a decisive battle against the bloody dictatorship established in the country. After the victory over the regime, under the GD, Georgia has firmly established itself on the principles of democracy and rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and has set on an irreversible development path.

The GD government is Georgia’s first administration since the restoration of independence under which the country has not experienced war. Moreover, the Georgian Dream has maintained continuous peace under extremely challenging geopolitical circumstances.

The past 3 years were particularly challenging, as Georgia faced a direct threat of being turned into a 2nd front. Despite intense pressure and blackmail, the Government handled and continues to handle this challenge with dignity. The public can see that no threats, blackmail, sanctions, or statements can force the Georgian Dream Government to drag the country into the flames of war - a move that would bring devastation to our nation.

In 2012, a severe 9-year period of democratic regression was replaced by continuous democratic progress. On October 1, 2012, the GD government relegated to the past a severe authoritarian regime, an undemocratic constitution, election fraud, the practice of torture and inhumane treatment of people, business racketeering, monopolized media, courts subordinated to political control, and many other vices.

Today, human rights are protected in Georgia, country has a democratic constitution, fair elections are held, torture and inhumane treatment of people have been eliminated, business is freer than ever, judicial independence is protected, and media pluralism is ensured.

Georgia has embarked on the right path of economic development. Since 2012, the Georgian economy has had to cope with 2 global and regional economic crises. However, with the establishment of real economic freedom, elimination of business racketeering, and the implementation of sound fiscal policies, Georgia has successfully overcome difficulties and tripled the country’s economy.

Over the past 4 years, Georgia’s economy has grown by an average of 9.7 per cent, which is the best indicator in the region and Europe. This year, Georgia’s economy will exceed USD 10 000 per capita, according to the International Monetary Fund’s forecast, by 2030 it will reach USD 13 500, and Georgia will move into the category of high-income countries.

The GEL exchange rate is reliably stable, and the country’s external debt has decreased from 60 to 36.4%. According to World Bank data, since 2012, the poverty rate in Georgia has decreased threefold, and nearly 700 000 people have overcome poverty.

Since 2012, the state’s approach to social policy has fundamentally changed. A universal healthcare program has been introduced, social assistance packages for the socially vulnerable population have been substantially expanded, and the social assistance distribution practice under political interests has been eliminated.

Georgia has achieved all tangible progress on the European integration path precisely under the GD government. It was after 2012 that the country signed the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement and received a visa-free travel regime. We also fought to obtain candidate status, which Georgia’s ill-wishers and European bureaucracy acting on their dictation had intended to use as an instrument of blackmail against Georgia. Despite ongoing challenges and alleged pressure from EU institutions seeking to bring undemocratic forces back to power in Georgia, we assure the public that our political team will face every challenge with dignity. By 2030, Georgia will be better prepared for the announced EU enlargement than any other candidate country. We hope that by that time, Brussels’ current bureaucracy will also be replaced by a dignified, independent political elite oriented toward the future of the EU and Europe.

Georgia today is as independent and sovereign as ever before. No one can dictate decisions to this Government that run counter to our national interests. Georgian Dream will never compromise on Georgia’s interests and will continue to unwaveringly protect our homeland, the Church, and our national values”, - reads the statement.