Georgian PM: 150 organisations have registered under Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said up to 150 organisations had registered under the recently enacted Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.

The Law neither restricts nor stigmatises any organisation. It is logical that more than 100 organisations have registered, because [it] does not create any problems for them [...] This demonstrates their commitment to civic responsibility. They are transparent about their finances, and we should express our gratitude to each organisation that shows such high civic responsibility”, Kobakhidze said.

In contrast, it is clear that many other organisations have something to hide, which is why they have not registered [...] The only thing required is transparency. If you have nothing to hide, why not register? [...] when you receive money from abroad, that money brings with it certain influences, and you become a representative of those influences in your own country”, he added.

The Prime Minister stated “no NGOs” faced restrictions in the country, but added they were required to ensure financial transparency, which he described as a “fundamental European principle”.

When transparency is mistaken for restriction, it becomes a serious problem. Georgia has democratic governance, with the Government elected by the people and led by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which deserves respect. Some may be frustrated by this, but respect for this democratic process is essential. Valuing people's choices is one of the key aspects of democracy”, he said.

Regarding NGOs, we may have our own viewpoints, but no one is looking to impose restrictions on them. The only requirement outlined in law is financial transparency for [them]. I would encourage a more objective perspective”, Kobakhidze continued.

However, I will add that this situation is temporary. Once the [domestic] elections [next week], and elections in another country are concluded, also when the war in Ukraine ends, these misguided assessments will fade, and relations between Georgia and Europe, as well as between Georgia and the United States, will be restored, which is of critical and strategic importance for us”, the Prime Minister added.

The law, passed by the Parliament in May, requires non-commercial entities and media outlets to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad. Subjects could submit their applications to register with the status at branches of the Public Service Hall in 30 cities across Georgia.

Organisations meeting the criteria but refusing to register will be fined ₾25,000 ($9,192) and registered unilaterally by the responsible agency.