PM Kobakhidze alleges opposition figures funded by individuals suspected of corruption

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused several opposition figures and media personalities of receiving funding from individuals previously suspected of corruption, claiming the financial backing is part of a public relations strategy to distract from their own alleged misconduct.

Speaking to journalists in the Samegrelo region, Kobakhidze said that “certain individuals who are suspected of corruption” are attempting to deflect attention from the accusations they face by financing figures like opposition leader Levan Khabeishvili and TV anchor Nodar Meladze.

“There are people who some might assume are simply opposition figures, but in reality, they are being financed by specific persons who were suspected of corruption and who had to leave our team,” Kobakhidze said. “For example, Levan Khabeishvili was receiving a monthly salary from such sources—he even had a nickname listed in the payroll. The same source funds Nodar Meladze, who reportedly receives directives from this group on what information to publish.”

According to the Prime Minister, these financial arrangements are part of a broader PR campaign meant to overshadow potential legal risks facing those suspected individuals.

“There are people accused of corruption who are trying to cover up those accusations through PR maneuvers,” Kobakhidze stated. “To achieve this, they are handing out money to Khabeishvili, Meladze, and others.”