Georgian Parliament Speaker alleges large-scale fraudulent schemes in Europe funding political processes against Georgia

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday claimed large-scale fraudulent schemes were operating in the heart of Europe to fund political processes against Georgia.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Papuashvili commented on criticism from European politicians that followed the launch of discussions on amendments to Georgia’s Law on Grants.

“When you speak about another country not on behalf of its people but instead claim to speak for its people, that is not democracy. Such Europe existed 100 years ago, when it exercised influence over other nations. I will not name the process under which other peoples were subordinated. This is a patronising attitude toward nations”, the Speaker said.

He emphasised that elections were held in Georgia and that 1.2 million citizens voted for the Georgian Dream party.

“We have the mandate of voters and a democratic legitimacy. How does anyone on this planet dare to speak on behalf of the Georgian people instead of the Georgian people themselves? This is a direct violation of the international order”, he continued.

Papuashvili further stressed that pressure was being applied through the “rule of force”.

“They say they are strong and can oppress a small Georgia. This is one of the [foreign funding] schemes, which it turns out even Mikheil Saakashvili was aware of. Now let the European Union answer how these funds are moving back and forth and how they are being accounted for. There are rampant fraudulent schemes in the heart of Europe aimed at financing political processes against Georgia”, he concluded.