**Georgian Parliament Speaker Accuses UK of Interfering in Country’s Internal Affairs**
In a surprising move, Georgian Dream parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili has accused the UK government of trying to interfere in Georgia’s internal affairs through a new election-focused grant program. This latest accusation towards the West comes as the country prepares for its 2025 local elections.
According to reports, the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced a grant competition for Georgian non-profit organizations on April 4. The program aims to support free and fair elections through voter education campaigns, increased participation among under-represented groups, and local and international election observation. However, Papuashvili claims that the initiative is part of a broader effort by foreign donors to influence Georgia’s domestic politics.
**A Broader Effort to Fill the Gap Left by US Funding?**
Papuashvili alleged that the grant is an attempt to fill the gap left by discontinued US funding. He claimed that foreign donors are using European support to influence Georgia’s internal affairs, and that this practice has been exposed by the new American administration.
“This is a corrupt grant,” Papuashvili said, claiming that the competition is rigged to favor certain non-governmental organizations. “Everyone already knows who will receive the money”, he added, stating that these would be organizations like the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED).
**Fear of British Sanctions?**
However, some analysts believe that there may be another reason why the Georgian Dream party is opposing the grant. Teona Akubardia, a leader of the Gakharia for Georgia party, claimed that the ruling party’s main concern is not the grant itself but rather the fear of British sanctions.
“This is about the regime’s fear of British sanctions,” she said during an appearance on Palitra News’ “Daily Newsroom.” “Remember, the sanctions came from Britain first, then the U.S. followed. They fear these sanctions more than the American ones.”
**The Sanctions Dilemma**
This latest development comes as the UK has recently sanctioned two senior Georgian judges, citing serious corruption and efforts to manipulate judicial appointments in favor of the Georgian Dream party. This has sparked concerns about the country’s judiciary and its independence.
As Georgia prepares for its 2025 local elections, this controversy highlights the complexities and challenges facing the country’s internal affairs. While the grant program aims to support free and fair elections, Papuashvili’s accusations raise questions about foreign interference and the motivations behind such initiatives.
In conclusion, the Georgian parliament speaker’s accusations towards the UK government are a timely reminder of the complexities involved in supporting democratic processes abroad. As the world watches Georgia prepare for its 2025 local elections, it remains to be seen how these developments will unfold.
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