Bidzina Ivanishvili Quotes

I would like to become the prime minister, do the job for two years, and then leave and devote myself to public work.

In Georgia, people had already understood that communism couldn't survive, and I came to the institute in Moscow, and people still believed in it. They were completely different people, and I found it very difficult psychologically.

There are eight different breeds of peacock. I have them all.

The economy is governed through cartel agreements and monopoly. The attorney general is the one who's controlling funds. There is no free business in Georgia.

I decided to go into politics because of our Soviet-style government.

Europe and America should judge Georgia's leadership on the basis of their actions, not just their words and promises. Otherwise Saakashvili will transform Georgia into a dictatorship.

I had to choose: Either leave the country, where it's become dangerous for me, or go on the offensive.

I get no pleasure from politics; it's not in my character.

I may not be a politician, but I will fight to the end of my life for what I believe in.

With respect to Euro-Atlantic integration, we have to realize that we need to normalize the relationships with our neighbors, and especially with Russia.

I was forced to come into politics because Saakashvili had destroyed the opposition. I had a choice either to leave the country, because it was dangerous to live here, or to go into politics.

There is a real and evident problem of democracy in Georgia, and this was the core reason of my entrance into politics. We have no rule of law. It's absolutely absent.

A small country like Georgia has little influence on conflicts that must be resolved at the global level.

I did not like formal meetings, because they took away my freedom. I just liked to spend time with my friends, where I could be myself and did not need to don a mask.

I have always lived according to my conscience, and my past is clean.

This is my philosophy: I prefer to stay out of the public eye. I love freedom.

Restoration of friendship with Russia, our biggest neighbor, is necessary for our peace and economy.

If you come to Georgia, you can open up a company in a day. You yourself can come tomorrow and establish a company in a day, and you're not halted by paperwork.