Georgian tycoon to bankroll political opposition
By Anna Kamushadze

He may be the country’s richest man,
and he’s financing the opposition

Business tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili says he will bankroll the opposition’s campaign, including its promised mass Tbilisi rally on November 2.
 
Warning that the country is “on the brink of a major political crisis,” Patarkatsishvili, co-owner of leading television network Imedi TV, announced in an October 28 statement he would fund the United National Council opposition coalition to ensure “civilized” protests.

He largely supports the opposition coalition’s manifesto of demands, he added.

The formal announcement of political financing confirms suggestions that Patarkatsishvili, a previously behind-the-scenes operator who once cooperated closely with the current government, is ready to fully wade into national politics.

Patarkatsishvili is in London, but expected to return to Tbilisi in time for the November 2 rally.

Most opposition coalition leaders welcomed the businessman’s support, saying it will be of great help in organizing the planned November 2 protest, where they will call for earlier parliamentary elections.

“[The money will help with] organization issues we’re having problems with,” Georgia’s Way leader Salome Zourabichvili told Rustavi 2 on October 29. “This includes getting people in from the regions and other logistic issues.”

Labor Party leader Shalva Natelashvili, however, stood alone in refusing Patarkatasishvili’s money.

“We don’t take money from oligarchs,” he said, according to Rustavi 2.

Davit Kirkitadze, secretary general of the ruling National Movement party, said that Patarkatsishvili is just formalizing a well-known arrangement.

“It’s no secret that Patarkatsishvili financed and stood behind the opposition for a long time. Now, he’s simply decided to legalize his actions. And at last he is out of shadows. But you can’t buy the Georgian people,” Kirkitadze told news agency NewsGeorgia on October 29.

Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava also accused Patarkatsishvili of trying to buy power with his fortune.

“Badri Patarkatsishvili sponsors and owns a TV station, sponsors and owns the opposition. He has failed to buy Georgian sports, Georgian business and Georgian culture, but he has very easily bought the opposition,” Ugulava said, according to Rustavi 2.

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