“There is no repression. All grants related to the country’s development interests are allowed. The only prohibition applies to so‑called grants that constitute ‘black money,’” said First Vice Speaker of Parliament Gia Volski while commenting on the announced amendments to the Law on Grants.

According to Volski, recent experience has shown that funds received in the form of grants have been used to promote extremism.

“There is no repression. Any grant is allowed, any program can be implemented. The only issue is that if you claim a program is aimed at raising awareness in the field of culture, you should not, with that funding and under the cover of that program, organize gatherings that train young people on how to confront the police or how to prepare Molotov cocktails. There are no restrictions on grants. It’s a very simple matter - recent experience has shown that funds coming in as grants are used to foster extremism. If that is not the case, why is transparency a problem? Let it be stated how much money it is, who sent it, and what it is being spent on. There are no other requirements.”

As for private individuals receiving money transfers from family members abroad, or funds for specific activities, or someone receiving an honorarium for a performed role, Volski stressed that such cases are, of course, not subject to any control. “They are permissible and even welcome,” he said.

“There is a lot of speculation around this issue, and there will be more, but the fact remains: all grants that serve the country’s development interests are allowed. What is not allowed are so‑called ‘black money’ grants, which Marta Kos herself speaks about from official platforms, saying that ways should be found to bring ‘black money’ into Georgia. This law is adopted precisely to prevent that,” Volski stated.

For reference, under the planned amendments, the definition of a “grant” is expanded. It will also include any funds transferred in cash or in kind by any person to any other person, which are used or may be used, with the belief or intent to influence the Georgian authorities, state institutions, or any segment of society, for activities aimed at shaping, implementing, or changing Georgia’s domestic or foreign policy. It also includes funds used or that may be used for activities deriving from the political or public interests, approaches, or relations of a foreign government or a foreign political party. Receiving such a grant will require prior approval from the Government of Georgia.