Bidzina Ivanishvili quotes:

It was not my wish to come into politics. I was not a public person; I preferred to spend my birthdays with family and friends. But the 2008 elections were fraudulent, so I decided to finance the opposition to make them stronger.

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

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

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.

Our policy is European and Euro-Atlantic integration. There is no substitute for NATO.

I do yoga every day, some sport, have a meal once a day, eat some fruit, and drink one glass of wine. And once a month I gather together my close friends. But my wife and I do not like conspicuous luxury.

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.

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.

I have money, but my most important capital is the trust of the people.

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

Since the whole village was poor, we didn't realize our own poverty. I was happy.

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

Any private security is a joke in a country where you're up against your own government.

All the therapists would tell me was that I was the only healthy person they knew.

Since the whole village was poor, we didnt realize our own poverty. I was happy.

I get no pleasure from politics; its not in my character.

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.

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

I won't go back on my decision. I'm not afraid of prison, but there are even worse dangers.

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

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.

Any private security is a joke in a country where youre up against your own government.

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

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

I travel as much as I can and meet people.

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

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

A difficult regional situation doesn't justify one man's determination to hold onto power. It's clear to me that democratization is a very complicated process.