Democracy at risk: Georgia moves to silence civil society
Transparency International is deeply concerned that new measures recently announced by Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party pose a direct threat to Georgian civil society’s ability to operate independently and play its vital role in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law. The new rules, passed as amendments to the Law on Grants, would require prior government approval for foreign funding of civil society organisations and punish recipients for unapproved funding with severe fines.
This development highlights Georgia's broader democratic decline, marked by a decade-long consolidation of power by a single political force. As state institutions fall under its control, corruption has become institutionalised, weakening checks, accountability, and democratic oversight. The ruling party now targets independent civil society, media, and opposition groups that defend transparency.
Transparency International strongly condemns these measures and stands with Georgian civil society. TI Georgia must be able to operate freely to fight corruption and promote integrity. For years, it has exposed state capture, systemic corruption, and election manipulation—and has been persistently targeted as a result. Today, it seems clear that these repressive laws are designed to silence organisations like TI Georgia.
These proposed legal changes are incompatible with Georgia’s commitments to democratic governance and the rule of law. Although presented as measures to protect national interests, they risk severely limiting public oversight and civic participation - key pillars of an accountable and transparent government. Restricting access to funding for independent organisations undermines anti-corruption efforts and creates an environment where abuse of power can flourish without scrutiny.
Transparency International stands in unwavering solidarity with TI Georgia and the broader Georgian civil society. We call on the ruling party to immediately withdraw the proposed amendments, repeal all previous restrictive laws, and recommit to the democratic values and anti-corruption principles it once espoused. The right of citizens to hold power to account must be protected, not criminalised.
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