A debate on the draft law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” is scheduled for today in Strasbourg. Before that, Nika Gvaramia held a press conference together with several MEPs in the European Parliament.

“We are currently seeing some worrying legislative changes. These changes include proposals that bear an alarming resemblance to Russia’s “foreign agents” law, which stigmatizes international NGOs, civil society organizations and the media. Additionally, recent tax legislation that I call "Russia Law 2" favors wealthy Russian oligarchs, increasing the influence of Russian capital in our country, making Georgia a gray area for Russia to launder money and hide the assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs.

It seems that the "Georgian Dream" government did not implement the important recommendations of the European Union, which are necessary to start formal accession negotiations. In response to these anti-democratic measures, it is necessary that our representatives in the European Union and international partners take a strong position. We appreciate the current support from MEPs and EU officials and call for stronger action, including personal action against those who undermine our democratic processes. Enhanced support is needed for democratic movements and institutions such as critical media and non-governmental organizations in Georgia”, - said Nika Gvaramia.

“Today is the time to express ourselves very clearly. This is a historic time not only for Georgians, but also for us here. We see how the Kremlin is active before the European Parliament elections, and sometimes we hear the same messages here. So, I think we should see the clear criteria of what the pro-Russian policy of the pro-Russian government means in this or that country, including in Georgia. My final message is to quote a very famous American proverb: “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s probably a duck”, - added MEP Rasa Juknevičienė.