MP Makhashvili: UNM’s use of lobbying to pursue narrow political objectives is nothing new

“This is not the first time we have seen the United National Movement (UNM) utilise lobbying activities to achieve their narrow political aims,” stated MP Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the Parliament’s European Integration Committee, in an interview with GPB First Channel.

He added, “The real purpose of these so-called lobbying efforts is as plain as the palm of your hand.”

“We have seen the contracts involving Giuli Alasania, Kezerashvili, and this party, followed by an unrestrained disinformation campaign against Georgia. This coincided with the BBC’s disinformation efforts as well. It’s clear what the true intent behind these so-called lobbying activities is: not to serve the country’s broader interests, but to launch targeted attacks and campaigns against Georgia. Why? Because the collective ‘National Movement’ seeks to satisfy its political ambitions and seize power. They aim to disseminate disinformation against Georgia, and that is exactly what they are doing.

The fact remains that falsehoods are circulating, lies are being spread, and misinformation is being disseminated. Fortunately, the Georgian people are no longer falling for it. We have seen time and again that such campaigns are designed to sow discord, fear, and anxiety among the population,” Makhashvili explained.

A document has been published on the FARA page of the U.S. Department of Justice, outlining the activities of the lobbying firm Nelson Mullins, which was hired by the United National Movement party. According to it, the United National Movement has been running a public relations campaign through the lobbying firm since July 2025. The report outlines meetings held by the lobbyists with various media outlets and journalists. These outlets include: Washington Examiner, Reuters, Newsmax, and The Hill. The documents also reveal that, on behalf of the UNM, the lobbying group engaged with offices of multiple Congressmen and Senators, as well as communicated with representatives of the Trump administration.

Previously, the U.S. Department of Justice disclosed that the United National Movement had engaged the U.S. lobbying firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP with a contract worth USD 360,000.