Georgian opposition calls for sanctions on MPs supporting Foreign Transparency Bill

The Georgian opposition is urging for international sanctions on MPs belonging to the ruling Georgian Dream party, who voted in favor of the contentious foreign transparency bill, set for its final reading this week.

Currently, the chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees from Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Estonia are gathered in Tbilisi, conducting meetings with opposition MPs at the Radisson Hotel.

Opposition MP Khatia Dekanoidze highlighted their core message, focusing on advocating against MPs endorsing the bill’s passage.”My primary emphasis will be on the illegitimacy of this process and the departure of Georgian Dream from constitutional norms. Today, we witnessed the Legal Committee’s rapid approval of the third reading of this law in just 67 seconds. Tomorrow, during the session, I firmly believe that strict measures, including visa restrictions and financial sanctions, should be imposed on any MP who ultimately supports this law,” stated Dekanoidze.

The European Union, the United States of America, and other allies have consistently cautioned Georgian authorities about the potential consequences of passing the bill, warning that it could hinder Georgia’s path towards European integration.

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