Georgian Parliament Speaker says ruling party’s claims on foreign funds used for “destabilisation, propaganda” confirmed

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday asserted that all of the claims made by the ruling Georgian Dream party had been proven true, pointing to the use of foreign donor funds, specifically those from organisations such as USAID and NED, in efforts to destabilise Georgia, promote radicalism, and carry out propaganda campaigns.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted that the ruling team's position regarding attempts to involve Georgia in the ongoing war in Ukraine had been confirmed.

“What we have been saying has been fully confirmed. We pointed out that part of the funds from foreign donors was used to incite radicalism, extremism, and propaganda in Georgia. We named USAID, NED [National Endowment for Democracy], and other organisations, and now the US Government itself has admitted that these organisations were involved in destabilisation and propaganda efforts”, the Parliament Speaker said.

“Georgia often serves as a litmus test, and we see a regrouping happening. Previously, destabilisation efforts were carried out through organisations like USAID and NED - entities now exposed for fraud and orchestrating unrest in other countries. Today, these operations are rebranded and funded directly through Brussels or specific EU capitals. We are witnessing diversified attacks on the Georgian people, Government, and the country as a whole”, he continued.

Papuashvili further highlighted that some organisations had simply shifted under different national bodies, but the goal remained unchanged.

“We have seen NGOs and other entities “relocated” under Estonian control, while resources previously funneled through USAID and NED are now redirected via alternative channels. The goal remains unchanged - destabilising Georgia and changing its Government”, Papuashvili continued.

He emphasised that Western leaders had consistently denied these allegations, but then were forced to acknowledge it.

“This war has been a proxy war all along, with Ukraine used as a tool to achieve strategic objectives. Even US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that it is a war between the West and Russia. Some political groups and leaders wanted Georgia to serve as a similar proxy, and they are frustrated that we refused to comply”, he said.

“That is why we see absurd travel bans and restrictions - because they are angry that we did not nod in agreement, that we did not play the role of puppets. This is precisely why they want to change the Government in Georgia”, Papuashvili added.

Papuashvili also accused foreign entities of grooming their preferred political actors in Georgia.

“We see how they are nurturing their desired puppets, sponsoring their travels, and organising political tours. Recently, we witnessed a joint tour of opposition figures and NGOs across the Baltic states, Scandinavia, and the UK. Whose money funded these trips? Let them show the public receipts - who bought the tickets, who paid for their hotels, and whose money is financing Georgian politicians? The answer to that question will reveal who their real masters are”, the Speaker concluded.