Opposition politician: “Britain stands next to Georgians, not illegitimate Gov’t

Giorgi Kapanadze, a member of the opposition party United National Movement, has welcomed the UK government’s decision to support Georgia’s civil society sector, emphasizing that the British government and people stand with the Georgian people, not with what he described as an “illegitimate government.”

“The decision by the UK government to assist Georgia’s civil sector, support the people of Georgia, and help strengthen democracy and freedom in our country is truly commendable,” Kapanadze said in a statement. “This is a clear expression that the UK government and the British people stand not with an illegitimate government, but with our people and society.”

His remarks come following an announcement by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which has launched a grant competition to support Georgia’s local elections scheduled for October 2025. The initiative aims to promote democratic development, civic engagement, and transparent electoral processes.