Prepared by Messenger Staff
Papuashvili Criticizes Foreign Influence and NGOs at Global Forum
Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, delivered a speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, calling for an end to what he described as excessive foreign interference in national politics.
Addressing the general debate in Geneva, Papuashvili said Georgia's democracy has been undermined by intrusive foreign political influence, particularly through the work of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations.
"Excessive foreign interference must give way to respect for national sovereignty, and foreign-funded NGOs to genuine civil society and, consequently, genuine democracy," he stated.
Papuashvili argued that a distorted narrative has taken root in Georgia, where foreign-backed NGOs are increasingly seen as the voice of civil society, and by extension, the people.
"We have seen how, with foreign support, a strange narrative has developed, when foreign-funded NGOs were initially identified with civil society, and then civil society with people," he said. "With such mental manipulation, foreign-funded NGOs have become 'the people.' As a result, NGOs have been portrayed as a counterweight to the legitimately elected Parliament of Georgia."
He went on to claim that the legitimacy of Parliament is now being judged not by the democratic mandate it receives from voters, but by the level of foreign financial support received by non-governmental groups.
"The fact that genuine civil society has been replaced by fake NGOs is a direct blow to democracy," Papuashvili said.
Papuashvili called for renewed commitment to the principles of sovereignty, democracy and non-interference, describing them as essential components of a rules-based international order.
Kaladze Set for Third Mayoral Run as Opposition Doesn't Recognise the Legitimacy of October Elections
Georgian Dream is set to nominate Kakha Kaladze for another term as Tbilisi mayor in the October 4 local elections. The announcement will be made on July 31, according to a party statement on social media.
Kaladze, currently serving his second term, previously held the post of energy minister and is one of the party's most prominent figures. If elected again, he would remain in office until 2029.
The upcoming vote is taking shape under strained political conditions. A coalition of nine opposition parties has announced a boycott, accusing the ruling party of eroding democratic institutions and abandoning Georgia's path toward European integration after last year's parliamentary elections.
Opposition groups argue that participation under current conditions would serve only to legitimize a system they view as undemocratic. As a result, campaign activity across much of the political spectrum has been minimal, even with less than two months remaining before the vote.
