Georgian FM defends foreign influence laws, says transparency vital for stability

Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday staunchly defended the country’s legislative measures regarding foreign influence, asserting that transparency is now an undeniable necessity for national stability.

Addressing the legislative body, the Minister emphasised that the laws passed between 2024 and 2025 - aimed at preventing foreign interference in domestic politics - have not hindered international cooperation or led to the cancellation of development projects.

“In response to the question regarding whether legislative changes implemented between 2024 and 2025 led to project suspensions, it can be said confidently that not a single project has been halted or cancelled under the laws and regulations adopted by the Georgian Parliament during this period”, the FM said.

“Today, I think no one should have any question about the necessity of preventing foreign interference in politics and ensuring transparency of foreign influence. Today, it is clearly visible how much all this is related to the security and stability of our country”, she continued.

She further emphasised that statements about the suspension of programs had simply become a kind of political tool on the part of certain actors.

“Statistics show the attitude of the Georgian government towards the enforcement of the law. From April 16, 2025 to April 8, 2026, decisions were made on 165 grant applications submitted to the government administration. The positive recommendation rate is more than 95 percent. In total, we are talking about projects worth approximately ₾47.3 million [$17.6 million]”, Botchorishvili added.

“Here too, we should note that the statements we heard last year about the suspension of programs have become a kind of political tool from certain actors, while not a single project that does not contradict the national interests of our country has been refused implementation”, she concluded.