Georgian parliament approves bill banning foreign donations to political unions in first reading

The Georgian parliament has passed amendments to the law "On Political Associations of Citizens" and the Parliamentary Regulations in an expedited first reading, Report informs.

Both draft laws received 83 and 80 votes in favor, respectively. The amendments prohibit political parties and individuals with electoral purposes from accepting donations from foreign legal entities for activities such as seminars, lectures, and other events. Grants will only be permitted with government approval, and violations will result in double fines.

The new regulations also introduce updates to committee and procedural rules, clarify the legal status of citizen initiatives, and establish a framework for political debates.