Bidzina Ivanishvili: The Billionaire "Puppet Master" Behind Georgia’s Political Future

Tbilisi, Georgia — Georgia’s wealthiest man and shadow political leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been at the center of Georgian politics for over a decade. First emerging as a hopeful democrat, the billionaire founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party is now accused by many of leading Georgia into international isolation and veering away from a pro-Western path.

Ivanishvili’s influence has drawn criticism from both local opposition and international observers, especially as the country heads toward pivotal parliamentary elections. The European Parliament recently called for sanctions against him, accusing him of “undermining democracy” and shifting Georgia closer to Russia.

Rise to Power and Wealth

Born in the small village of Chorvila, Ivanishvili’s fortunes rose dramatically during the privatization of Soviet assets in the 1990s. Now worth an estimated $4.9 billion, he holds dual citizenship in Georgia and France. In 2012, he briefly served as prime minister after founding Georgian Dream, positioning himself as a pro-European reformer before stepping away from formal politics.

Over the years, Ivanishvili has remained a powerful force in Georgia’s governance, even while out of office. Through close confidants appointed to critical roles across government institutions, he exerts significant influence over the nation’s political trajectory.

Consolidating Power and Rising Criticism

While initially supportive of a pro-Western stance, Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream have adopted increasingly anti-Western rhetoric in recent years. Transparency International claims his party has “captured” key branches of government, consolidating power in Ivanishvili’s inner circle of loyalists, including former business associates and family confidants.

Political analyst Gia Khukhashvili, a former advisor to Ivanishvili, criticizes his approach, stating that the billionaire treats Georgia as a “private corporation.” Similarly, Giorgi Bachiashvili, once a close ally, now describes him as “power-drunk” and accuses him of endangering Georgia’s future.

A Life of Extravagance and Influence

Ivanishvili’s wealth extends beyond politics. In his opulent mansion overlooking Tbilisi, he houses an array of modern art, a private zoo, and a costly collection of baobab trees from Africa. His investment fund, the Co-Investment Fund, operates numerous projects across Georgia, including shopping centers and luxury hotels, through complex offshore structures.

Despite his enormous wealth, Ivanishvili’s public appearances are rare, and he recently raised eyebrows for using a bulletproof glass booth at campaign events, emphasizing his status as a reclusive and controversial figure.

Controversial Rhetoric and Anti-Western Sentiment

In his latest campaign speeches, Ivanishvili has fueled conspiracy theories, suggesting a so-called “global war party” seeks to push Georgia into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He has portrayed the upcoming election as a choice between “sovereignty” and “slavery to foreign powers,” positioning Georgian Dream as the defender of national autonomy.

A Pivotal Election and an Uncertain Future

With Georgian Dream’s anti-Western stance and Russian-style “foreign influence” law targeting civil society, Georgia’s ties to the European Union are on hold. As opposition alliances gain momentum ahead of the election, many wonder if a coalition could counterbalance Ivanishvili’s influence.

The upcoming election results will be pivotal, determining whether Georgia continues under Ivanishvili’s shadow or shifts toward a more diverse political landscape.