MP Gorduladze accuses Transparency Int’l Georgia of spreading ‘false information’ over funding law

Archil Gorduladze, Chair of Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, has accused Transparency International Georgia (TI Georgia) of spreading “false information” regarding planned legislative changes on foreign funding, claiming the organisation is attempting to mislead the public.

In a social media post, Gorduladze said the case illustrates why it is “not only necessary but essential” to tighten legislation and minimise the inflow of what he described as “foreign black money” into the country. He alleged that TI Georgia is aware it will no longer be able to bypass the law to conceal received and spent funds once the new regulations come into force.

The MP specifically rejected claims that the new rules would affect money transfers sent by emigrants to family members in Georgia.

“The new law does not apply to money transferred by emigrants to their families for household purposes - full stop,” he said, accusing the organisation of deliberately spreading misinformation on the issue.

Gorduladze also alleged that TI Georgia had re-registered abroad in the past and was seeking to avoid transparency requirements, and claimed that under the new legislative framework, organisations would no longer be able to receive certain funding without the consent of the Georgian government.

Despite what he described as attempts by “externally funded individuals” to obstruct the process, Gorduladze said the authorities would continue efforts to maintain peace, implement reforms, support economic growth and address social issues.