Mayor Kaladze slams Polish broadcaster over Georgian-language service

The mayor also made broader claims about foreign involvement in Georgia’s internal affairs, arguing that external actors have, in recent years, contributed to political polarisation and social division through Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has criticised the launch of a Georgian-language news service by Poland’s public broadcaster, describing the move as “regrettable”.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Kaladze said Poland remained a friendly country, but expressed concern over the nature of the new initiative and its reported funding.

“Poland is our friend, and it is regrettable when such actions take place,” he said. “It is even more surprising that this is funded from the state budget.”

Kaladze alleged that the new service was aimed at influencing public opinion in Georgia, including what he described as attacks on the Georgian Orthodox Church. He said he expected clarification from the Polish side and expressed hope that the issue would be addressed.

“Everything we have seen in recent years has been imposed from outside, with the involvement and financing of external actors,” he said, adding that such efforts have included attempts to incite unrest and destabilisation.

Kaladze said the authorities were closely monitoring developments and insisted that Georgia would not allow external interference to fuel confrontation or attempts at political upheaval within the country.