Transparency bill to erect barriers between Georgia, EU – opposition MPs

Opposition MPs, Teona Akubardia and Elene Khoshtaria alleged on Monday the ruling party’s resubmission of the foreign transparency bill was expected to hamper the country’s European integration process, following the bloc’s move last year to grant the country its candidacy. 

She claimed the “declaration of the West as an enemy and the perceived equivalence between Russia and the West pose significant threats to Georgia’s European future”, and  highlighted the alleged inadequacy of GD executive secretary Mamuka Mdinaradze’s explanations in counterbalancing the reactions and calls from the Western allies over the bill which aims to brand all domestic entities obtaining more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad as organizations aligning the interests of a foreign power.

Akubardia pointed out that if the ruling party, Georgian Dream, truly aimed for transparency, they could easily amend the law on grants. However, she cautioned that ignoring the appeals of Western partners, particularly amidst parliamentary race in October, could lead to delays in Georgia’s path towards European integration. Moreover, she warned of the potential division and polarization within the country, which could jeopardize national security.

Akubardia dismissed claims that the proposed transparency law would enhance Georgia’s sovereignty, branding it as a falsehood. She emphasized that the true threat to Georgia’s sovereignty stemmed from Russia’s occupation and viewed the legislation as an attempt to erect barriers between Georgia and the EU.

Elene Khoshtaria, the leader of Girchi-Droa opposition alliance,  echoed Akubardia’s sentiments, stressing the urgency for action to preserve Georgia’s European aspirations.

In Khoshtaria’s view, history has shown the GD “consistently falters whenever it confronts challenges to the country’s interests”.