Georgian Parliament to debate controversial transparency bill in its 1st reading

The Georgian Parliament is set to debate the controversial bill On Transparency of Foreign Influence on Tuesday. 

Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, announced to journalists that the draft law will undergo its initial reading during this session, scheduled to commence at 12:00.

Traditionally, Tuesday’s session will commence with political statements, followed by deliberations on various draft laws by parliamentary members.

The backdrop of this session is marked by protests outside the Parliament, notably on April 15, when the Legal Affairs Committee supported the contentious bill in its first reading. This move came amidst the rejection of alternative bills presented by the political group For Georgia.

The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia has imposed restrictions on online and print media journalists’ access to the legislative body, citing regulations established in September 2023 governing journalist conduct within Parliament premises.

Critics, including partner countries and international organizations, express concerns that the proposed bill could impede Georgia’s European integration efforts. However, the ruling party contends that the legislation aligns with European standards.

This development comes after the parliamentary majority in Georgia was compelled to withdraw the Foreign Agents Law in March 2023 due to widespread protests and international criticism, pledging not to reintroduce the project.

Despite this, the Georgian Dream party resubmitted the bill to Parliament on April 3, 2024, with a notable change: replacing the term “agent of foreign influence” with “organization carrying out the interests of a foreign power.” The move signals a renewed push for legislation aimed at addressing concerns over foreign influence transparency in Georgian affairs.