People’s Power member criticizes RSF for listing Ivanishvili among ‘Press Freedom Predators’

A member of the People’s Power movement, Zurab Kadangidze, has criticized Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for including Georgian billionaire and ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili in its 2025 list of “Press Freedom Predators.”

In a social media post on Monday, Kadangidze claimed that Georgia enjoyed a diverse and largely opposition-leaning media environment, arguing that RSF’s assessment is unfair and politically motivated.

He cited figures he said represent the current Georgian media landscape: around 50 television broadcasters, 40–45 radio stations, 25–40 print outlets, and between 150 and 250 online portals, alongside more than 100 YouTube and podcast platforms.

“Today in Georgia, registration of any TV or radio platform is legally very simple. Any type of online platform is protected by legislation, and most of them are opposition-oriented,” he wrote.

Kadangidze accused RSF of stepping “beyond legality and objectivity,” suggesting the organization is influenced by what he described as “the deep state, the Soros syndicate and shadow rulers” who aimed to control public opinion.

He added a sarcastic remark referencing George Orwell’s 1984: “Glory to the Ministries of Peace, Love, Wealth and Truth. May the grace of 1984 protect all liberalism.”

RSF’s latest report placed Ivanishvili among 34 global figures it said pose a threat to press freedom, citing increasing pressure on independent media in Georgia. The Georgian government has rejected such criticism, arguing that the country maintained one of the most pluralistic media environments in the region.