Georgian PM: State Security Service has uncovered networks behind radical plots, plans deemed doomed

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said that the recently adopted transparency law had significantly changed the political landscape in the country, reducing levels of radicalism and polarisation.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that attempts were now being made to fund radical activities through alternative channels, though such resources were relatively limited.

“Some NGOs are openly involved in revolutionary processes. This became particularly evident from June 2022, when they stepped onto the political stage in front of the Parliament building and, in response to the European Union’s decision not to grant Georgia candidate status, demanded the Government’s resignation and the formation of a new cabinet with their participation. From that point on, they became openly engaged in revolutionary processes”, the PM said.

He added that revolutionary activities had been funded from US and European sources through NGOs, with the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) being identified as one of the key funding channels for radicalism.

“This, of course, is very unfortunate. However, the transparency law has changed a great deal and has reduced the level of radicalism and polarisation in our country. Now, there are attempts to fund such radical activities through alternative means, but their resources remain limited. As you have seen, the State Security Service has uncovered specific networks involved in planning radical scenarios in Georgia, though these plans have no chance of being realised”, he concluded.