Parliamentary committee chair denounces claims on foreign transparency bill

Maka Botchorishvili, the chair of the European Integration Committee in the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday dismissed accusations labeling the foreign transparency bill as a Russian imposition.

Botchorishvili rejected the narrative perpetuated by opponents of the bill, branding their campaign as “fake” and “groundless.” She emphasized the necessity of scrutinizing organizations deriving substantial foreign funding, asserting that transparency was “crucial” for Georgia’s European aspirations.

Addressing concerns about the bill’s implications, Botchorishvili refuted claims that it would unjustly target allies, highlighting the government’s commitment to gratitude and honesty in its relations.The lawmaker also took aim at political adversaries, accusing them of undermining Georgia’s European path by sabotaging efforts to attain EU candidacy. She urged citizens not to be swayed by those who “denigrate their homeland and impede its progress”.

She further underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and transparency in political decision-making, echoing sentiments shared across the European Union.

In closing, the MP called for constructive dialogue between Georgia and the EU, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling prerequisites, including fair elections in October and warned against subversion and reiterated the nation’s “unwavering commitment” to its European aspirations.

The bill by the ruling Georgian Dream party proposes the registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in Georgia as “aligned with interests of a foreign power” if they receive over 20 percent of their funding from abroad. Despite being branded as a Russian law by the Georgian opposition, civil sector, and the country’s foreign partners, Botchorishvili emphasized the necessity of such legislation for ensuring transparency in Georgia’s political landscape.