Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has criticised the European Parliament’s decision to tighten the so-called “Transparency Law,” describing it as another instance of the familiar double standards.

In response to a relevant question, the mayor asserted that European bureaucrats have their own vested interests concerning Georgia.

“This is yet another example of the usual double standard. We could cite many similar cases. We should dismiss those statements that often stem from European officials, which are often riddled with falsehoods. They pursue their own interests, interests that are not always apparent. We must not pay heed to all this, but instead focus on acting in the best interests of our country’s future; its security, peace, and economic development,” Kakha Kaladze stated.

Tbilisi Mayor also observed that, in his view, the European Parliament is engaging in behaviour that mirrors the criticisms levelled at Georgia.

“What they once advised us not to do, criticising our laws, they are now doing themselves, tightening legislation to ensure greater transparency. We are simply following suit. We want processes to be open and transparent. When some European parliamentarians suggest that they are exploring alternative routes or loopholes for bringing money into Georgia, that is not what we desire. If they are doing a good job, what do they have to hide? Everything should be transparent, shouldn’t it?

Then there’s the issue of family values, an issue that is also vital for every Georgian. If this is not of fundamental importance, what is? Clearly, the European Parliament finds even this unacceptable, and we must act independently of their dictates. We will no longer accept this,” the Tbilisi mayor emphasised.

For context, the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee has recently endorsed new regulations concerning the transparency of lobbying by third countries. According to information on the European Parliament’s website, these measures aim to address the international nature of lobbying and potential foreign influence on democratic processes.