Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has accused EU-funded organizations of attempting to disrupt the upcoming local government elections. Speaking to journalists, he claimed that NGOs financed by the EU Embassy are involved in political agitation aimed at undermining Georgia’s democratic process.
“Organizations funded by the EU Embassy are preparing to disrupt local elections,” Papuashvili said, adding that European taxpayers’ money is being used to discredit Georgian institutions, including the Central Election Commission (CEC).
He pointed to the OSCE Secretary General’s recent statement confirming that the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections reflect the will of the Georgian people, calling it a response to “Brussels bureaucrats,” some foreign governments, and diplomats who allegedly cast doubt on the legitimacy of the vote.
Papuashvili specifically criticized the NGO My Vote, led by former Ombudsperson Nino Lomjaria, accusing it and affiliated organizations of running an “agitation campaign” against the ruling Georgian Dream party with EU funds. “Even before the 2024 elections, these groups were under review for their political activity. We warned that they were acting as election-related entities,” he said.
The Speaker also accused the EU Ambassador of personally engaging in political agitation and violating the Vienna Convention, alleging attempts to influence the Georgian electorate.
Papuashvili claimed that with US funding in the NGO sector largely withdrawn, EU resources are now primarily supporting organizations that threaten election integrity. He pledged a tough stance: “From now on, we will vocally and directly name both the NGOs and their donors who try to interfere. Full responsibility will lie with the funders.”
He concluded by saying Georgia would not allow foreign actors—whether ambassadors, NGOs, or donors—to meddle in its electoral processes: “We will expose every attempt to interfere. No one will be allowed to undermine the elections of a sovereign state.”
