Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili accused organisations funded by the EU Embassy of attempting to disrupt upcoming local government elections. He claimed EU budget funds are being used to undermine Georgian democracy through agitation campaigns, specifically naming the NGO My Vote, linked to former Public Defender Nino Lomjaria.

Papuashvili criticised EU and some Western ambassadors for allegedly disrespecting the Georgian people and their electoral choices, despite the OSCE Secretary General affirming that past election results reflected the will of the voters. He called for public apologies from Brussels officials and certain diplomats.

He further alleged that the EU Ambassador violated diplomatic norms by interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs, adding that his government would closely monitor and publicly name both NGOs and donors involved in such actions.

“We will not allow any foreign organisation or ambassador to interfere in our elections,” Papuashvili stated, asserting that defending Georgian sovereignty and the integrity of elections remains a top priority.