PM: foreign funding in Georgia used for “political purposes”, “with external interference” in parliamentary elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday claimed foreign funding in the country was used “for political purposes, including the unprecedented external interference in Saturday’s parliamentary elections”.

In an interview with the Imedi TV programme, Kobakhidze noted the only public rally held six days prior to the elections by the domestic opposition, which had failed, “was financed” by non-governmental organisations with foreign backing.

The PM highlighted the “need for transparency” regarding political funding from abroad and expressed concerns over the emotional manipulation of the youth during the campaign. He also pointed out the attempts to block “strategic” economic projects through foreign money and cited the attacks on the Orthodox Church financed by foreign sources as well.

As for transparency [in reference to the controversial law on transparency of foreign influence adopted by the country's Parliament in May], here we also need some substantiation. Now the emotional background is no longer present, then people were easily deceived by the emotional situation, especially the part of the youth [during public protests against the transparency law held in May]. Now [...] I again offer everyone to discuss this matter”, he said.

The head of the Government also mentioned the domestic “liberal fascism” by describing how some parts of society were “trying to oppose each other”, and expressed concerns over “bullying campaigns” directed at prominent individuals supporting the ruling Georgian Dream party, including athletes and cultural figures from the country, stating that it had “reflected” on broader social tensions.