Ruling Party MP criticizes opposition’s role amidst protests over proposed Foreign Transparency Bill

Nino Tsilosani, a Vice Parliament Speaker representing the ruling Georgian Dream party, issued remarks on Monday regarding the opposition’s stance amidst ongoing protests against the Georgian Dream’s proposed foreign transparency bill. The bill, which was abruptly adopted by the Legal Affairs Committee in its third reading earlier today, is set for a final vote this week.

Addressing criticisms over the swift conclusion of the Legal Committee session, which lasted a mere 67 seconds, Tsilosani pointed out that opposition members were indeed present in parliament at 09:00, “as confirmed by their own live broadcasts”. However, Tsilosani highlighted that despite their physical presence, the opposition failed to actively participate, characterizing them as a conspicuous absence in the unfolding narrative of potential revolution.

“Actually, in this organized revolutionary scenario, the opposition is the missing link. Despite their physical presence in parliament at 09:00, as evident from their live streams, they chose not to engage with the committee,” Tsilosani asserted.

The reintroduction of the bill in March, following its rejection last year amid mass protests, reignited large-scale rallies in the capital. Concerns from the European Union, the United States of America, and other allies have consistently warned Georgian authorities about the potential repercussions of passing the bill, cautioning that it could impede Georgia’s path towards European integration.

The bill, approved by the Georgian Dream party on May 1 in its second reading, received 83 votes in favor and 23 against. While the bill’s substance remained largely unchanged, amendments were made to the title, replacing the term “agent” with “Organization Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power” for entities deriving more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad.

The parliament is scheduled to vote on the bill in its final reading on May 17.