MP Matikashvili: Protecting sovereignty requires transparency of political funding

“It would be interesting to hear Michael O’Flaherty’s thoughts on the confession made by Marta Kos, who explicitly mentioned that the EU would explore ways to funnel funds into the country. It raises the question of whether he has considered what Kos meant and why the EU seeks to circumvent legislative restrictions while continuing to finance radicalism with unclear sources of funding,” said Davit Matikashvili, a member of the Georgian Dream party.

Davit Matikashvili said all states, including Georgia, seek to protect their sovereignty, and argued that a key part of this is ensuring transparency and requiring permits for funds entering the country for political purposes.

“There should be no loopholes for black money to flow into Georgia to finance radicalism. We have long called on the EU to distance itself from radicals in Georgia, including certain officials who, unfortunately, currently hold high positions, including the EU ambassador. When the EU did not distance itself from the October 4 attack on the Georgian government and the presidential palace, but instead directly or indirectly expressed support for this violent process, it is not surprising. The funds Kos spoke about will be directed not toward positive goals, but toward radicalism and political objectives, which no one has the right to pursue by bypassing legislative provisions adopted and to be discussed by the Georgian Parliament,” Matikashvili said.

For reference, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty stated that “The amendments, announced on January 28, seek to broaden the legal definition of a ‘grant’ in the Law on Grants to encompass any cash or in-kind transfer from one person to another person. This definition is too broad and risks subjecting the ordinary and legitimate activities of civil society to undue state scrutiny, effectively undermining public advocacy and participation in democratic life.”