Prepared by Messenger Staff
Kaladze Claims Foreign Money Funds Politics and Hostile Media Outlets
Georgian Dream Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has repeated claims that foreign actors are channeling money into Georgia to influence domestic politics and support critical media organizations.
Speaking to journalists about recent information concerning online media, Kaladze said, "What we've been saying for so many years has now been confirmed. Money is coming into the country from abroad, which is being directed toward politics and funding media outlets that are mostly hostile to the country."
He argued that the developments reflect coordinated efforts outside Georgia, adding, "All of this is orchestrated from abroad."
Kaladze expanded on his concerns by referencing comments made in European institutions. According to him, "One of the European Parliaments directly stated that they are looking for ways to bring money into Georgia. In other words, they are seeking 'black holes' to funnel money into Georgia and use it for politics again."
He also criticized the conduct of some foreign diplomats, saying, "Look at the statements made by ambassadors. An ambassador who is here on a diplomatic mission is involved in the political process and makes political statements based on lies, promoting hatred, deepening polarization, encouraging violent groups, and so on."
UNM Chair Criticizes Ivanishvili Over Credit Suisse Dispute, Calls for Return to Euro-Atlantic Path
Tina Bokuchava, Chair of the United National Movement, criticized Bidzina Ivanishvili on Monday over his dispute with Credit Suisse, following a London court ruling that dismissed his appeal and rejected his claims entirely.
Bokuchava said Ivanishvili will only recover his billion dollars "if he returns the country to Georgia's citizens, puts Georgia back on the Euro-Atlantic path, and restores peace to this country."
She argued that his recent actions are driven by misinformation from aides and pro-Russian allies within Georgian Dream, including attempts to lift past U.S. sanctions and pressure political opponents. "Some businessmen and a few athletes are trying to work on this with the new U.S. administration, but inside the U.S. administration these efforts are regarded as utterly unserious," she said, adding that British financial sanctions are likely and unavoidable.
Bokuchava called on Ivanishvili to follow "a concrete path and concrete steps" to resolve the situation peacefully rather than tormenting the country for personal gain.
The ruling from the Judicial Committee of the UK Privy Council confirmed that Ivanishvili's claims against Credit Suisse were dismissed, ending his legal attempts to reclaim previously awarded damages.
