Gov’t will use de-oligarchization bill against opposition – MP

The Georgian Dream authorities will use the de-oligarchization bill, when it is adopted by the parliament, against the opposition, and will close the funding sources for them, no matter how transparent the process is, independent MP Armaz Akhvlediani told Front News on Monday. 

The legislator also said that even if the opposition proposes an “ideal” de-oligarchization bill, the ruling party would not accept it, as there was “no political will” for this. 

He stated that he had voted against the “very dangerous” bill, which had remained the  issue of the ruling party founder, “shadow ruler Bidzina Ivanishvilli unresolved”. 

Akhvlediani further noted that adoption of any law was “useless” amid the “absence of fair judiciary and the failure of other key institutions”. 

“In a country like Georgia, the  de-oligarchization process is very important, regardless of who is in power, because the oligarchic institution provides an opportunity to have a direct and harsh influence on political and public processes,” said Akhvlediani.

The ruling party has proposed the de-oligarchization bill as part of the 12-point conditions set by the European Union for Georgia’s membership candidate status. 

The GD says it had used the “unique” experience of Ukraine white drafting the bill.