Opposition criticizes Government’s NGO grant fund initiative

Tamar Kordzaia, a leader of the Unity – National Movement, criticized the government’s plan to establish a grant fund for Georgian non-governmental organizations, calling it a move against free speech.

Kordzaia was responding to a statement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday, who announced the creation of the fund, which will be financed from the state budget.

Kordzaia expressed concern that this initiative could be a form of control over independent organizations. “Kobakhidze seems to think that by giving money to NGOs, he can solve the problem. But that’s not the case,” Kordzaia said. “This is about silencing free space and speech in the country. Instead of supporting Georgia’s citizens with the 14 billion in aid, which could benefit both state and non-governmental organizations, the government is isolating the country.”

Kobakhidze outlined the grant fund would only provide financing to organizations registered under the controversial Transparency of Foreign Influence law, a requirement for NGOs to be included in the Ministry of Justice’s register.