“Funding schemes of USAID and other funds are actually intended to overturn political processes in Georgia,” said Levan Makhashvili, Chair of the parliamentary European Integration Committee.

According to Makhashvili, USAID was once a beacon of hope for many countries, but it has turned into a tool of informal influence.

“USAID was once a hope-giving organization for many countries, but what we are observing—along with what society has seen from the leaked documents—indicates that it has turned into a tool of informal influence and a fig leaf to cover the illegal activities that have been carried out in Georgia and beyond.

This is not merely stated by Levan Makhashvili; it has been acknowledged by the U.S. President, Secretary of State, and other high-ranking officials. There are many other cases yet to be disclosed, and the process is ongoing. The USAID-related scandal is just the beginning.

Funding schemes of USAID and other funds are indeed intended to influence electoral and political processes in Georgia. No illegal money will be spent on political processes, while the media will be allowed to be independent and focused on local needs. USAID has implemented many beneficial projects, but in most cases, they have been used as a cover-up and shield undermining democracy,” he said.