2013-02-27 Sabadze’s appointment as Gamgebeli was protested. A group of the Georgian Dream’s activists opposed to his candidacy while another group declared their support. Those against the candidacy stated that Joni Sabadze used to serve as the head of Tsalka security service for years. An incident occurred outside the office of Gamgeoba, in which opponents and supporters of Joni Sabadze clashed but no physical confrontation ensued.