Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has renewed accusations that foreign funding is being used to interfere in Georgia’s political processes, claiming that recent remarks by European officials confirm long-standing concerns voiced by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Speaking at a briefing, Kaladze argued that money entering the country from abroad is being directed toward political activities and media outlets that, in his words, “act against the country” and promote narratives aimed at destabilizing Georgia’s internal affairs.
“It was revealed what we have been saying for so long; money flowing into Georgia is used for politics,” Kaladze declared. He claimed that statements made by certain EU ambassadors and members of the European Parliament “clearly hint” at attempts to bypass state oversight and support political actors and media organizations critical of the government. “We know that this is ruled from abroad, and directives are received from outside,” he said, echoing the government’s broader allegations that parts of the civil sector and independent media are influenced or coordinated by foreign donors.
Kaladze pointed to a recent public statement by a member of the European Parliament who, he claimed, spoke openly about “looking for ways to import money into Georgia.” Although he did not specify the name, the comment appeared to reference remarks made during EU discussions surrounding financial support for Georgian civil society. The mayor also criticized statements from Western diplomats in Tbilisi, arguing that some ambassadors have crossed the boundaries of diplomatic neutrality by “making political statements based on lies that incite hatred.”
The debate escalated further after Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, delivered a pointed message during the EU Enlargement Forum on November 18. Addressing concerns about the tightening environment for civil society in Georgia, Kos said the European Union intends to significantly increase financial support for NGOs and independent actors despite pressure from the Georgian government.
