We have no right to change the fate of the country with the argument “because”. Such a statement made today the Mayor of Tbilisi.

“I would like to respond to the current events in the country. Yesterday, the parliament overcame the veto and the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” was adopted. I want to congratulate everyone who values the destiny of Georgia, its sovereignty and independence, for whom it is important that the future of the country is decided by the majority of the population of Georgia in a peaceful and stable environment, through elections. Friends, these are not pathetic words. Today, the fate of Georgia is decided not by the sword or tanks, but by a reasonable policy adapted to the country’s interests, strengthened by the support of our population. The law on transparency should protect our country, first of all, from the influence of all those foreign forces whose aim is to cause destabilization in the country and break the peace.

Over the past months, our society has seen an incredible amount of pressure, threats and blackmail just because we dared to defend our country from the scenario that unfortunately took place in Ukraine; If we dared and demanded a reasoned answer for everyone to hear, why we can’t adopt a law that is valid both in a number of European countries and in the United States of America. The answer was one – “because”. What is allowed, for example, in France (where a similar law was recently adopted), turned out to be prohibited for us.

I would like to remind everyone that a certain part of the territory of Georgia is occupied by Russia. Added to this is the party, which has become the main opposition force, as a result of whose immature and destructive policies we have lost territories, faced unprecedented violations of people’s rights, got closed businesses and closed media outlets. Even today, their aim is to seize power and carry out the tasks of external forces. Against the background of these challenges, it is vital for Georgia to reduce foreign influences in order to maintain peace and continue the stable development of the country.

We have no right to change the fate of the country with the argument “because”. Protecting Georgia’s interests, protecting its European future, strengthening independence and striving for the country"s integration - this is our obligation and responsibility, which is why Georgian Dream has the full support of the majority of the population. Georgia has repeatedly proved that it is a reliable partner country, and even today we are ready for friendship, healthy relations, strategic partnership, but it should be mutual. The government is ready to clearly implement the presented nine-point plan, which is important on the way to European integration, and we are ready to open negotiations. I want to believe that our country will not be blackmailed, as happened during the receiving of candidate status. Let us all remember that the candidate’s status was used politically against the country and the government. There were manipulations to cause conflict and destabilization in the country.

I appeal to the population of the country - we have nothing against each other. On the contrary, with united efforts and attitude, we should be able to unite the country, return the territories and join the European Union with dignity.

When we were not granted the candidate status without any explanations, we heard a lot of speculations that it was the fault of the Georgian authorities. Targeted messages were spread to increase discontent among the population. However, by all parameters, we were much ahead of those countries that were granted candidate status and Georgia found itself in an unequal position. Then inside the country people told us that we lost billions of grants by not getting the status. Georgia received the status of a candidate, and I ask, where are these billions of grants? not visible. Therefore, such speculations and such attitudes are, of course, very bad.

We should always tell the truth to the people of our country, talk about challenges, problems, achievements, successes. I believe that many of those who have been protesting the transparency law these days will think and ask themselves a simple question - how can transparency be in conflict with the European future and values? Those non-governmental organizations that are funded by more than 20% from abroad must submit a financial declaration once a year and tell the public who they received funds from and how much was spent on which project. I’m sure many people will make a correct analysis of what is actually happening. I believe that after these processes, the country will become even stronger economically. Of course, a strong state with a strong economy will become a member of the family called the European Union sooner and with dignity”, - said Kakha Kaladze.