DISINFO: The West does not shy away from grossly interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs
SUMMARY
The West does not shy away from openly ousting the Georgian government and grossly interfering in the country's internal affairs. The West has begun a process of returning the United National Movement (UNM) back into power in Georgia, despite the fact that it knows the vast majority of the Georgian population is categorically against handing over the ruling of the country to criminals.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the Western interference in Georgia’s internal affairs, challenging Georgian statehood, claiming that Georgia is ruled by the West. Pro-Kremlin outlets often claim that many countries, not under Moscow's control, are "Western puppets".
Georgia is a sovereign and independent country that regained its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR. Georgia, as an independent country, has a functioning government and economy, it is a member of many international organisations, such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and a party to international agreements. Georgia has bilateral diplomatic relations with the majority of countries and enjoys close partnership relations with the Western countries.
The country is not under the control of any foreign government or organisation. Both the EU and the US respect Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Media Development Foundation's media monitoring results revealed that the narrative that the West is meddling in the sovereign affairs of Georgia and virtually running the country is one of the main trends of anti-Western propaganda and disinformation in the country.
See related examples of disinformation claims here.