The Georgian Anti-Corruption Bureau has mandated political parties to submit financial reports for the last eight months, according to Razhden Kuprashvili, head of the bureau. Kuprashvili noted that many opposition parties, including European Georgia – Movement for Liberty, Yes to Europe – Strategy Aghmashenebeli, the National Movement, Girchi – More Freedom, Strong Georgia – Lelo, For the People, For Freedom!, Elene Khoshtaria – Droa, and Akhali Ertoba – Gvaramia, Melia, have not fully disclosed their funding sources.
Kuprashvili expressed concern that these parties may be financed through foreign donor organizations or other sources, which, in turn, fund NGOs linked to these political groups. He emphasized that this could threaten the fairness of the electoral process, as Georgian law prohibits political parties from receiving funding from non-Georgian citizens or foreign entities.
At a briefing held on August 27, Kuprashvili also provided updates on the ongoing investigation into the “Festival of Democracy.” The festival was organized by the NGO “Eastern European Centre for Multi-Party Democracy” with support from the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy. Kuprashvili suggested that the event may have had a political agenda aimed at favoring specific parties, as only certain political groups were invited. Additionally, NGOs that either supported or did not oppose these parties participated.
Kuprashvili confirmed that evidence collection for the case is ongoing and that the bureau will inform the public once a final decision is made.