Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, on Tuesday raised concerns over what he described as blatant violations of international standards by certain foreign donors, and alleged they were illegally funding parties and radical groups, constituting foreign interference in elections.

Addressing recent statements by Mamuka Mdinaradze, Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream party, Papuashvili emphasized the gravity of the situation. He asserted that despite numerous efforts, including personal conversations with diplomatic missions and donor leadership, there had been a lack of cooperation and transparency from certain donors.

Papuashvili underscored the importance of adhering to international agreements such as the Paris Declaration on international aid, which he said mandated transparency and accountability in fund allocation. He expressed dismay over the “apparent underground financing of radical groups and parties”, noting such actions undermined the democratic process.

Highlighting a specific instance involving alleged funding of partisan media outlets, Papuashvili condemned the practice as a direct interference in elections. He referenced past incidents, including the financing of “propaganda tools of political parties”, as evidence of ongoing challenges in safeguarding electoral integrity.

Papuashvili concluded by urging for greater transparency and accountability from donors, emphasizing the need to address these issues to preserve the integrity of democratic processes in Georgia, particularly ahead of the October general elections.