Georgia proposes new restrictions for foreign-funded NGOs

The Georgian parliament has introduced new restrictions for NGOs operating with foreign funding, Report informs.

According to the proposed amendments to the regulations of the Georgian parliament, the article on the mandatory participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in public decision-making in the legislative body is being abolished.

Davit Matikashvili, chairman of the parliamentary committee on procedural issues and rules, who presented the project, emphasized that many foreign-funded NGOs do not defend the national interests of Georgia but rather the interests of the states and organizations from which they receive funding. He noted that some foreign-funded NGOs harm national statehood and democracy, with these issues arising in the context of the "USAID scandal."

The new draft law stipulates that NGOs will only be able to participate in parliamentary discussions on issues of direct interest to them.

Additionally, the draft includes changes to the procedure for electing members of the Central Election Commission (CEC). According to the amendment, a candidate supported by at least three-fifths of the members of parliament can be elected to the CEC.

The changes are being proposed by the Georgian Dream faction and the People's Power political group. The Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules has expressed support for the draft law.