Georgian PM vows to adopt foreign transparency bill despite protests, international opposition

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reaffirmed on Monday the government’s commitment to passing the foreign transparency bill in its third and final reading on Tuesday, despite facing mass protests in the capital and international opposition.

During a special briefing, Kobakhidze addressed concerns of “foreign pressure” and emphasized the importance of not yielding to external influences. He argued that retreating on the bill would require conceding on various issues, including contentious topics like same-sex marriage.

Kobakhidze criticized the protests, stating that opposing legislation “without understanding its content” undermined the nation and its community. He defended the parliament’s role in representing the people’s will and cautioned against setting a precedent of yielding to unfounded directives, reminiscent of Soviet-era interference.

He also warned against the perceived societal threats posed by issues like same-sex marriage, drug legalization, and uncontrolled immigration, stressing the importance of safeguarding traditional family values and protecting minors.

“It is equally irresponsible to suggest that the Parliament of Georgia, representing the will of its people, should refrain from passing crucial laws in the face of external pressures. Yielding to unfounded directives akin to those of the Soviet era sets a dangerous precedent. It opens the door for future interference, potentially preventing the adoption of laws safeguarding family values, protecting minors, or addressing issues like same-sex marriage, drug legalization, and uncontrolled immigration.”

“The proliferation of such vices,” the PM warned, “poses a significant threat to our society, rapidly eroding its moral fabric.”

The bill, previously passed by the Georgian Dream party in its second reading on May 1, saw minor amendments, including changes to the title. Critics, both domestically and internationally, have likened the bill to Russian legislation, expressing concerns that it could impede Georgia’s efforts toward European integration, particularly following its attainment of candidacy status within the European bloc last year.