Georgian PM: NGOs should not be allowed to become a political interference tool

NGOs should not be allowed to become a tool of political interference, the opposition was forced to back down on the issue of sanctions, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said, Report informs.

Kobakhidze stated that it is unacceptable for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to interfere in the country's internal politics through foreign financial sources.

He stressed that there is no alternative to adopting a law similar to the US FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) law in Georgia.

"The US government has admitted that USAID, NED and other mechanisms have been used to destabilize various countries, including Georgia. In such circumstances, it is important to ensure full transparency in the activities of NGOs. They should not be allowed to become a tool of political interference through foreign funding," the prime minister highlighted.

According to Kobakhidze, the adoption of this law is essential to prevent foreign influence on the country's internal affairs.

The prime minister also said that the opposition's campaign on the imposition of sanctions on the country was fruitless. He added that the opposition was forced to take a step back due to the different approach of society to this issue.

"If sanctions were imposed, there would be an escalation and the economy would collapse. At that time, the opposition demanded this. Now, since they have no arguments left, they are forced to lie," he said.

Kobakhidze also mentioned that former President Salome Zourabichvili made false statements on this issue, and he attributed this to the difficult situation of the opposition.