Transparency International - Georgia's quarterly newsletter on political donations reveals that more than half of GD's donors are "individuals connected to companies producing wine or other alcoholic beverages" that have received various types of subsidies, preferential loans, or public procurement contracts for years.
At least three companies (Askaneli Brothers, Tsinandali Old Cellar, and Georgian Wine House) are believed to be the strongest exporters of Georgian wine to Russia.
In the period from 1 July to 30 September, all political parties in Georgia received around GEL 1,901,299 in donations, four times more than in the previous quarter.
Georgian Dream received 65% of the donations, amounting to GEL 1,238,000. The United National Movement came second with GEL 274,677, while Lelo for Georgia was third with GEL 186,020. Generations for Georgia came fourth with GEL 180,000.
During the reporting period, UNM held a slight lead in the number of donors with 55 contributions, while Georgian Dream received 51, a significant number of which were substantial donations.
"The 'winemakers' donors donated a total of GEL 940,000 to Georgian Dream in August and September, while they have donated more than GEL 2 million to the ruling party since 2012," TI Georgia reported.
The same companies received simplified procurement contracts of more than GEL 4 million since 2013, preferential agricultural loans of more than GEL 14 million in 2013-2021, and state subsidies of more than GEL 17 million only in 2021-2022.
TI Georgia claims that the donations from the 'winemakers' were made before the 2023 grape harvest in Georgia, during which the companies received a subsidy of more than GEL 60 million.
"The high dependence of Georgian wine on the Russian market poses a threat, as Russia uses it as a lever for political pressure," says TI Georgia.
"There are indications that some donors may not be genuine donors of their own money to the party, but rather conduits for funds from their employers' wineries," the watchdog adds.
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