The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the "Georgian Dream" party.

All assets of Ivanishvili located in the United States or under the control of American citizens will be frozen. This decision is based on an executive order issued by President Joe Biden in April 2021, in response to "malicious actions by the Russian Federation."

The order imposes sanctions on individuals undermining democratic institutions and engaging in international corruption.

It is unclear what portion of the billionaire's fortune remains in Western countries, as noted by Echo of the Caucasus. In 2022, it was reported that Ivanishvili transported his artworks from London and New York. According to Bloomberg, Ivanishvili's wealth increased by one billion dollars over the past year, exceeding seven and a half billion.

On December 13, the U.S. imposed visa restrictions on those whom Washington believes are responsible for "undermining democracy in Georgia." The list included 20 individuals, but their names were not disclosed. U.S. officials stated that additional restrictions would be introduced regarding representatives from Tbilisi. The State Department indicated that the restrictions were in response to the dispersal of protesters in Georgia. The protests were linked to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision to postpone Euro-integration.

• The opposition in Georgia considers the parliamentary elections held in October to be fraudulent. According to the Central Election Commission, the "Georgian Dream" was declared the winner. Four other opposition parties entered parliament, but they are not participating in its activities.
• Previously, the "Georgian Dream" government initiated the adoption of laws that drew sharp criticism from Western countries: the "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" aimed at restricting the activities of NGOs receiving foreign funding, and a ban on so-called "LGBT propaganda."

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