Parliamentary committee chair advocates transparency in NGO funding

Maka Botchorishvili, Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Georgian  Parliament, has emphasized the growing importance of transparency regarding funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in comments for the Georgian Public Broadcaster. 

Botchorishvili highlighted the need for the public to understand the motivations behind the positions advocated by various organizations in shaping political decisions.

“As civil society’s role expands, it’s crucial for the public to know the motivations behind the voices shaping our political landscape,” Botchorishvili stated. “Transparency fosters informed decision-making.”

Regarding the inclusion of organizations under scrutiny in discussions, Botchorishvili acknowledged the presence of doubt but emphasized “it’s not the sole factor”. She advocated for greater public awareness of the organizations involved in Georgia’s political arena and their respective interests.

“It’s beneficial for the public to know which organizations operate in Georgia and their agendas,” Botchorishvili explained, citing examples like environmental protection groups influencing decisions on projects like hydroelectric power plants.

Responding to inquiries about the proposed law on transparency of foreign influence, Botchorishvili emphasized the importance of resilience against misinformation. She highlighted the need for transparent access to information to combat disinformation effectively.

While discussing potential mechanisms to address threats, Botchorishvili stressed the importance of ensuring the proposed law did not hinder the activities of civil society organizations. The MP underscored the draft law intended to “safeguard against threats without impeding the vital work of these organizations”.

“Our focus should be on striking a balance between transparency and protecting civil society,” Botchorishvili concluded. “The essence of this draft law lies in ensuring it doesn’t obstruct their activities, while still addressing potential threats.”

Despite international criticism and opposition, the ruling Georgian Dream party announced plans to reintroduce the controversial legislation, prompting renewed protests. Critics argue that the bill threatens democratic institutions and media freedom in Georgia, with concerns echoed by NATO, the European Union, the United Nations, and Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili. The President has pledged to veto the legislation if adopted.

On April 9, a Freedom March took place in Tbilisi, with civil activists, media representatives, and non-governmental organizations protesting against the proposed bill outside the Georgian Parliament building.