Statement by PMCG on the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” in Georgia

We are deeply concerned about a new draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”. Today, when Georgia is working hard to join the European Union, we should not risk undertaking the initiatives that do not serve the best interests of Georgia and hinder its aspirations to become part of the democratic community. 

Strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) is essential to Georgia’s democratic development. They receive funding from foreign institutions frequently; however, it does not make them agents of foreign influence. The proposed law will only deepen polarization and stigmatization of Georgian society.

We think that the issue of agents of foreign influence must be ceased in Georgia once and forever. Instead, all the efforts should be put into building a more democratic and prosperous state.