The mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, who also leads the “National Renaissance” opposition party, recently made an announcement regarding the auditing and freezing of bank accounts belonging to NGO’s and media organizations that receive funding from foreign sources. This action is in accordance with the Foreign Agent Legislation. Some organizations have already declared that they will not register as foreign agents. According to a report from Georgia Online portal, Kaladze stated that the financial resources of these organizations will be frozen, resulting in the inability to continue their operations.

It is important to note that this decision has raised concerns among various parties. Critics argue that this move limits the freedom of NGOs and media outlets, potentially limiting their ability to carry out their important work. However, supporters of this decision believe it is necessary to scrutinize the financial activities of these organizations in order to ensure transparency and prevent any potential interference from foreign actors.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that these measures are not unique to Georgia. Many countries have implemented similar legislation in an effort to track the flow of funds and identify any potential influence from external sources. However, the effectiveness and impact of such regulations are often subjects of debate.

In conclusion, the decision made by Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi, to audit and freeze the bank accounts of NGO’s and media organizations funded by foreign actors has stirred up discussions and concerns. This move aims to ensure transparency and prevent potential foreign interference, but it also raises questions about the freedom of these organizations to carry out their work. Only time will tell the true impact and effectiveness of these actions on the overall landscape of Georgia’s civic society.