In the first half of 2025, political parties in Georgia received a total of 7.6 million GEL in donations, with 87% (6.57 million GEL) going to the ruling Georgian Dream party, says Transparency International Georgia. This is six times more than the combined donations to all other parties, highlighting stark financial inequality.
The organization raises concerns over possible links between large donors to Georgian Dream and systemic corruption. Companies tied to these donors have secured state tenders worth 143.6 million GEL since 2024—and 422 million GEL since 2016. They have also received simplified procurement contracts worth up to 15 million GEL over the years.
In contrast, opposition-linked donors’ companies have received just 185,447 GEL in simplified contracts and have won no state tenders.
Agricultural subsidies show a similar pattern. Since 2024, 13 donor-linked companies received over 27 million GEL, with lifetime subsidies exceeding 71 million GEL. Notably, the business network of donor Vakhtang Karichashvili alone received over 25 million GEL, 13% of all agro-subsidies in 2024. No opposition donor-linked company received any such subsidy.
Suspicion also surrounds over 2.5 million GEL in donations made to Georgian Dream from Adjara in the three months following the resignation of Tornike Rizhvadze, former head of the region’s Supreme Council. Transparency International suggests this unprecedented amount may involve illegal third-party contributions.
In total, 168 individuals donated 6.57 million GEL to Georgian Dream in the reporting period. Combined, these donors have contributed over 20 million GEL to the party over time. TI Georgia promises further analysis of their ties to state contracts and benefits in upcoming chapters.
