Support The Moscow Times!

Ivanishvili Says Saakashvili Era Is Over

TBILISI, Georgia — Georgia's prime minister said Tuesday that he would skip President Mikheil Saakashvili's annual address to parliament this week, snubbing a rival he eclipsed by leading an opposition coalition to victory in an October election.

Bidzina Ivanishvili's blunt promise to stay away from Saakashvili's speech Friday reflects tension between the ascendant billionaire prime minister and the long-ruling president, who is barred from seeking re-election in October.

"What new he is going to say? He will probably be telling us lies again," Ivanishvili told a news conference. "Saakashvili's era is over. Era of lies is over in Georgia."

Saakashvili will address the parliament for the last time before his term ends. It will also be his first address to a parliament dominated by his adversaries.

(Reuters)

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more