Advisor leaves Georgia’s Reconciliation Ministry due to Foreign Transparency bill

Ivliane Khaindrava, who served as an advisor to the Georgian State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality, has resigned from his position amidst the reintroduction of the controversial foreign transparency bill by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Khaindrava, who has been an integral part of the body’s team for the past five years, cited fundamental disagreements with the direction that could potentially lead to civil unrest.

In a statement to Radio Liberty, Khaindrava explained, “Today I submitted my resignation because I cannot endorse the path that may breed social discord, particularly concerning the draft law and its subsequent implications upon reintroduction.”

The bill, approved by the Georgian Dream party on May 1 in its second reading, received 83 votes in favor and 23 against. While the bill’s substance remained largely unchanged, amendments were made to the title, replacing the term “agent” with “Organization Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power” for entities deriving more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad.

 

The parliament is scheduled to vote on the bill in its final reading on May 17 amid mass protests in Tbilisi.