Ruling party Sec-Gen: opposition “funded by foreign powers” through NGOs

Kakha Kaladze, the Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday claimed foreign governments were financing domestic opposition parties through non-governmental organisations. 

Kaladze, who also serves as the Mayor of Tbilisi, alleged the distinction between opposition parties and NGOs had become “blurred”, while speaking with the press about the ongoing Constitutional Court hearing on the controversial Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.

The law, initiated by the Georgian Dream in April and passed by the Parliament in May, mandates that non-commercial entities and media outlets in the country register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if more than 20 percent of their funding comes from abroad.

There is no boundary between NGOs and certain political parties. All red lines have been crossed. It is concerning that the opposition is openly funded by foreign governments via NGOs, which constitutes a direct interference in our internal politics. This serious issue will inevitably prompt a reaction from our side”, Kaladze said.

He further stressed the international community “needs to know what is really happening, which countries and NGOs are directly collaborating with opposition parties and engaging in election campaigns”.