The Georgian Dream initiative to fine entrepreneurs for engaging in public political activity is “a tool designed to punish anyone with a different opinion,” says Nikoloz Alavidze, advisor at the analytical center GeoCase. Speaking to BMG, Alavidze argued that the proposed amendment is a continuation of the so-called “Russian law,” this time targeting the business sector.
According to Alavidze, the government’s announcement harms the entire entrepreneurial environment and sends a direct warning to business representatives. “This threat is no longer theoretical, it is already real. The ‘Russian law,’ which began with restrictions on NGOs, has now moved to the next stage and reached legitimate businesses. This statement serves as an additional signal meant to instill fear among companies,” he said.
Alavidze also criticized Georgian Dream’s history of political donations, claiming that the majority of contributions to the ruling party come from corrupt sources. He argued that under the new rules, even expressing support for an opposition party could effectively turn a businessperson into a criminal. “Georgian Dream has introduced a form of political monogamy, just like in North Korea. Anyone with a different opinion now risks punishment under this draconian law,” he added.
Georgian Dream is proposing a new administrative offense that would fine entrepreneurial entities for any form of public political activity not related to their core business operations. Under the draft amendment to the Administrative Offenses Code, violators would face a 20,000-GEL fine on the first offense and 40,000 GEL for repeated violations.
