“Georgian Dream” will strengthen control over the issuance of Western grants in Georgia: new bans and bills

Georgia's ruling party, which accuses Western countries and Western foundations of funding “revolutionary sentiments,” is strengthening control over grants to local organizations.

New initiatives have been submitted to the parliament, following the adoption of the second version of the law on foreign agents.

The law “On Political Associations of Citizens” is being amended on an accelerated basis.

Political parties and individuals declaring their electoral goals will no longer be able to organize lectures, seminars and other similar public events with the support of foreign organizations. And foreign organizations will not be able to organize lectures, seminars and other public events for Georgian parties.

Earlier, the Georgian Dream accused Western foundations of interfering in elections through non-governmental organizations.

An amendment is also being made to the law “On Grants”.

Foreign grants will require the permission of the government or a person authorized by it. The decision will be made within 10 days after the application. Violation - a fine in double the amount of the grant. The Anti-Corruption Bureau will control everything. Exceptions: individual scholarships for study abroad, individual grants for scientific work outside Georgia, and grants of international sports associations. International organizations officially working in Georgia will not need permission from the government to receive foreign grants.

Reprinted from https://www.newsgeorgia.ge/