Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded to journalists’ questions regarding the financial issues linked to Mtavari Arkhi, accusing opposition media outlets of being financed through “black money.”
He claimed that both the opposition parties and critical television channels operate with illicit funds, and assured that authorities will investigate the matter.
Kobakhidze stated, “It is well-known that the entire opposition and all opposition TV channels are funded with black money. This is not new, but new details have emerged on this subject. This shows that these political forces play a very negative role in our political life.”
He further accused the media of undermining Georgia’s democratic system and using their platforms for propaganda, emphasizing the role of illegal money in these activities. Kobakhidze assured that relevant agencies will thoroughly investigate these financial concerns.
The Prime Minister’s comments follow a report from Rustavi 2, which alleged that Mtavari Arkhi received “illegally obtained cash of unknown origin” between 2019 and 2024.
Mtavari Arkhi dismissed these accusations, labeling them as “fabricated charges.”
“The fabricated charges serve only one purpose – to artificially create problems for the country’s most influential critical channel and, as a result, halt its broadcasting just days before the election. This exclusively serves the interests of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s Russian regime,” reads the statement from Mtavari Arkhi.
