**Georgian Dream Tries to Tighten Control Over Foreign Grants**
The Georgian Dream party has proposed draft amendments to the “Law on Grants,” which would require government consent for foreign organizations to provide grants in Georgia. Any grant received without approval could be restricted and subject to liability. This move is seen as an attempt by the ruling party to maintain control over international funding.
According to the new amendments, only Georgian Dream-approved officials will have the authority to grant or receive foreign aid. The party claims it plans to push these changes through a fast-track legislative procedure. Critics argue that this move would undermine Georgia’s commitment to democratic values and hinder the country’s ability to engage with the international community.
**UK-Sanctioned Official Appointed in Adjara**
The Supreme Council of Adjara has approved Sulkhan Tamazashvili, a high-ranking police official sanctioned by the UK, as the new Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze used this opportunity to mock foreign sanctions, saying that Tamazashvili will receive his salary “officially.” This appointment is seen as a brazen move by the ruling party to defy international pressure.
**Kobakhidze Takes Credit for Avoiding Ukrainian Scenario**
Speaking with reporters, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze took credit for Georgia’s good cooperation with Europe and claimed that the country had avoided the “Ukrainian scenario.” He noted that Ukraine is benefiting from European cooperation despite the ongoing war. Kobakhidze also stated that Georgia had managed to avoid a similar fate due to its effective governance.
**Georgian Dream Delegation Participates in IPU Assembly**
Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Dream Parliament, attended the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During his speech, Papuashvili emphasized the parliament’s role in shaping just and inclusive societies. He also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Israel, Turkey, and Belgium.
**Papuashvili Criticizes UK Grant Program**
While in Tashkent, Shalva Papuashvili criticized a new grant program initiated by the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), saying it aimed to interfere in Georgia’s internal affairs. He compared this initiative to previous US financial assistance that was allegedly used to destabilize other countries.
**President Zurabishvili Warns EU about Authoritarian Influences**
Speaking at a French Renaissance party rally in Paris, President Salome Zurabishvili urged the European Union to act decisively against authoritarian influences within its ranks. She warned that Russia‘s evolving hybrid strategy in Georgia could have wider geopolitical consequences for Europe if the country is lost.
**New Head of Tbilisi Police Department Appointed**
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has appointed Lasha Gogniashvili as the new head of the Tbilisi Police Department, replacing Sulkhan Tamazashvili. Gogniashvili has faced allegations of police violence in the past.
**Activists Remanded into Custody for Group Violence**
Tbilisi City Court has remanded eight activists accused of group violence during anti-regime protests into custody. The case will proceed to a substantive hearing scheduled for April 23. As anti-regime protests enter their 131st day, the defendants face serious charges, with potential sentences ranging from four to nine years in prison.
—
**What does it all mean?**
The Georgian Dream party’s attempts to control foreign grants and defy international pressure are seen as a desperate move to maintain power. President Salome Zurabishvili’s warning about authoritarian influences within the EU is a timely reminder of the need for vigilance against similar threats in Georgia.
As anti-regime protests continue, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these challenges. One thing is certain – the people of Georgia demand democratic values and accountability from their leaders.
**Follow our live blog for more updates on the Georgian resistance.**
Read More @ civil.ge