Ruling party official wonders why it is not “possible” for Georgia to do what is possible for France, EU in a “stricter” form in remarks over transparency bill

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party in the Parliament, on Tuesday wondered why it was not “possible” for Georgia to do what was possible for France and the European Union in a “stricter” form, in remarks over the domestic bill on the transparency of foreign influence.

“When we are criticised, someone should give us an answer as to why it is not possible for Georgia to do what is possible for France, for the European Union in a stricter form.There is no answer to this”, Mdinaradze said.

“Did Mr. Borrell [the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy] say [our respect to him, despite our discussion and heated argument] why the transparency [bill] distances Georgia from Europe? What is possible for France in a stricter way, why is it not possible for Georgia?” Mdinaradze noted.

The Georgian Parliament on Wednesday adopted the bill on transparency of foreign influence in its first reading with 83 votes in favour and none against.

The bill on the transparency of foreign influence aims to ensure that NGOs disclose their annual financial reports, with penalties limited to financial sanctions for non-compliance.