The man in the high castle. Bidzina Ivanishvili’s residence overlooks old Tbilisi. (c) Besik Pipia / RIA Novosti. All rights reserved.Bidzina Ivanishvili is Georgia’s richest man — and probably its most powerful. Since taking (and leaving) the post of prime minister in 2012-2013, Ivanishvili has remained influential behind the scenes. It’s an accusation the businessman has always denied, stating that he merely enjoys the trust of the public and politicians.
Ivanishvili, who bankrolled the opposition into power in 2012, has had Georgia’s parliament in his sights for a while. In fact, he wakes up to it every morning — the oligarch resides in a glass mansion overlooking the Georgian capital. The construction of this villa began during the 1990s, under Eduard Shevardnadze. For most people, this was a dark time: one of corruption, crumbling infrastructure and severe shortages. But some people thrived.
Ivanishvili has had Georgia’s parliament in his sights for a while. In fact, he wakes up to it every morning
