Georgian PM says country should be run by Gov’t elected by people, not by “agents”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said it was important not to let “agents” return to power, noting the country should be run by the Government elected by the people and not by the “agents”.

Kobakhidze claimed the transparency bill, which calls for the registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad, would serve the purpose of combatting attempts of revolution and disruption in Georgia.

He cited the two revolution attempts by the radical opposition since the 2020 elections and emphasised that “if the activities of the non-governmental organisations are transparent, they will not be able to further finance radical domestic forces such as Droa opposition party, civil movement Shame and others.

The PM pointed out that a specific organisation, directly subordinate to the European Union - European Endowment for Democracy, was financing polarisation in Georgia by funding “one of the country's most polarising political entities” - Droa.

The EED paid salaries and office expenses for Droa, which is “a gross violation” of the Georgian Constitution and constitutional principles in general, Kobakhidze said, adding the proposed transparency draft law would not forbid any NGO from financing the political entities, but it would create the opportunity for the public to be informed on this.

He also referred to the video of the Canvas organisation’s training, which was “a clear evidence” that a revolution “was being prepared” in Georgia, noting an investigation was underway over the training, which was allegedly related to organising unrest in Georgia.

The Head of the Government stressed the need to create solid foundations for stable future development, which would be achieved by adopting the transparency bill.