**Bidzina Ivanishvili Not Exempt from Declaration Obligation, Says Transparency International**
Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire businessman and politician in Georgia, has been told by Transparency International that he is not exempt from the obligation to file a declaration of his assets. This decision was made after an analysis of the country’s laws, which reveal that exemptions only apply to individuals who temporarily hold official positions.
According to the Georgian legislation, individuals who are performing an official function on a temporary basis do not have to declare their wealth. However, Transparency International argues that this exemption does not extend to people like Ivanishvili, who is currently the leader of the ruling party but has stated his intention to retire from politics.
**What Does This Mean for Ivanishvili?**
The decision by Transparency International means that Ivanishvili will have to file a declaration of his assets, just like any other citizen. This includes disclosing the value of his property, stocks, and other financial interests. The declaration is meant to promote transparency and accountability among public officials.
**Why Is This Important?**
The ability of politicians like Ivanishvili to maintain secrecy about their wealth has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and corruption. By requiring him to file a declaration, Transparency International hopes to ensure that the public can scrutinize his financial dealings and hold him accountable for any actions that may benefit himself rather than the country.
**What’s Next?**
It remains to be seen how Ivanishvili will respond to this decision by Transparency International. He has consistently maintained that he is not hiding anything, but the fact that he has been told to file a declaration suggests that his critics have some legitimate concerns. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the push for transparency and accountability in Georgian politics continues.
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