The Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that six out of seven eligible political parties will receive state funding based on the results of Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections. The decision, disclosed on December 26, has intensified divisions within the opposition, with the Coalition for Change being the only party to decline the funding.
The parties granted state funding are:
Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia
United National Movement
Coalition for Change – Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi-Droa (declined funding)
Gakharia for Georgia
Lelo for Georgia
Alliance of Patriots of Georgia
New Political Center – Girchi
According to the CEC, the deadline to reject funding expired at 18:00 on December 26. With Coalition for Change declining funds, the remaining six parties are set to receive financing from November 26, the date the newly elected parliament was recognized.
The decision has triggered criticism from Coalition for Change leaders Nika Melia and Nika Gvaramia, who accused other opposition parties of legitimizing election results they had previously rejected. Gvaramia stated, “They encouraged protests and strikes but quietly accepted funding based on fraudulent figures.”
In contrast, Lelo for Georgia leader Mamuka Khazaradze defended the acceptance of funds, asserting that budget financing is separate from recognizing the parliament’s legitimacy. “This money will be used to support those affected by the protests,” he explained, dismissing the criticism as aligned with Georgian Dream’s propaganda.
The controversy was further inflamed by actions at the municipal level. In Zugdidi, western Georgia, members of the Ahali faction supported the 2025 budget proposed by the Georgian Dream-led City Hall, leading to accusations of collaboration. Members of the faction resigned from the party’s political council following backlash, with the United National Movement’s Ana Tsitlidze condemning their actions as a “big mistake.”
Nika Melia accused the United National Movement of hypocrisy, highlighting similar actions by its members in Chkhorotsku, also in Samegrelo region, while the party continued to accept state funding.
Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze framed the acceptance of funding as acknowledgment of the election results. “Three of the four blocs that crossed the threshold, along with two others receiving funds, have recognized the results. By February, they may join parliament before we do,” Kobakhidze remarked.
