Shalva Natelashvilli Leader of the Georgian Labor Party Date of Birth: 01.01.1958 Country: Georgia

1. Early Life and Career
2. Political Involvement
3. Foundation of the Labor Party of Georgia
4. Leadership of the Labor Party
5. Opposition to Saakashvili
6. Emigration and Return
7. Personal Life and Achievements

Early Life and Career

Shalva Natelashvili was born on July 13, 1958, in Bazaleti village, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, Georgian SSR. In 1981, he graduated with honors from Tbilisi State University's Law Faculty. He subsequently worked as an investigator, prosecutor, and head of international relations for the Georgian prosecutor's office. In 1989, he earned a Candidate of Legal Sciences degree from the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union.

Political Involvement

In 1992, Natelashvili was elected a member of the Parliament of Georgia. From 1992-1995, he served as the chairman of the Parliamentary Legal Committee. In 1995, he was re-elected as an MP and led the drafting committee for the Georgian Constitution, becoming one of its co-authors.

Foundation of the Labor Party of Georgia

In 1995, Natelashvili founded the State Law and Justice Union of Georgia, which later evolved into the Labor Party of Georgia. The party emerged as a significant opposition force against President Eduard Shevardnadze.

Leadership of the Labor Party

Natelashvili led the Labor Party through a series of parliamentary and local elections, achieving success in local elections but falling short of the 7% threshold in parliamentary elections. In 2002, he became the head of the Tbilisi City Council (Sacrebulo). However, he later ceded this position to Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement in exchange for control over parliamentary committees.

Opposition to Saakashvili

Natelashvili became an outspoken critic of President Saakashvili, accusing him of electoral fraud and authoritarian rule. In 2004, he appealed to the UN Secretary-General to investigate the legitimacy of Saakashvili's election. He also contested the 2008 presidential election, finishing fourth with 6.49% of the vote.

Emigration and Return

After a failed attempt to topple Saakashvili's government in 2007, Natelashvili fled Georgia and sought political asylum in the United States. He later returned to Georgia and contested the 2012 parliamentary elections, where his party won 7.56% of the proportional vote.

Personal Life and Achievements

Natelashvili is married and has two children. He is a member of the World Association of Law.