Ruling party demands end to foreign financial interference in Georgia

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party, has issued a strong appeal for foreign nations to cease their financial interference in Georgia’s internal matters.

Speaking to Georgian journalists, Mdinaradze highlighted the potential disruptions such interference could cause, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“We call on our foreign-friendly countries and their representatives to stop financially meddling in Georgia’s internal affairs. They are aware of the kind of turbulence this can create in our country,” he said.

Mdinaradze’s remarks come in the wake of concerns raised by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who on August 11 warned of significant external interference in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Scheduled for October 26, 2024, these elections are anticipated to be held under conditions of “unprecedented” external influence.

Georgian authorities have previously criticized foreign-funded non-governmental organizations for their involvement in the election process. They allege that these organizations are actively supporting opposition parties, organizing various events and rallies for them, and engaging in campaigns against the current government. Additionally, some Western politicians have been accused of overtly supporting opposition groups and opposing the Georgian authorities, further fueling tensions and accusations of foreign interference.