**Georgian Parliament under Fire for Serving the Interests of a Single Party**
In a scathing report, Transparency International Georgia has accused the country’s parliament of becoming a tool for the ruling party, Georgian Dream. According to the watchdog group, the legislative body has transformed into an obedient executor of the ruling party’s will, enacting laws that severely restrict individual liberties and serve the interests of a single oligarch.
**A Parliament without Checks and Balances**
The report highlights how the parliament has become increasingly subservient to the Georgian Dream party. Lawmakers have consistently voted in favor of bills that benefit the ruling party and its allies, while ignoring the concerns of opposition groups and civil society organizations. This lack of diversity and representation has eroded the parliament’s ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure accountability.
**Laws That Restrict Liberty**
Transparency International Georgia has specifically criticized the passage of laws that severely restrict individual freedoms. For example, the introduction of harsh penalties for non-violent crimes has been used to silence dissenting voices and punish those who speak out against government policies. The report also notes that the parliament’s actions have created an environment in which corruption can thrive, further undermining public trust in institutions.
**A Single Party’s Grip on Power**
The report’s authors argue that the Georgian Dream party’s control over the parliament has allowed it to consolidate power and pursue its own interests at the expense of democracy. The focus on serving a single oligarch’s agenda has resulted in laws that benefit a select few, rather than the broader population.
**What’s Next?**
As Transparency International Georgia calls for reforms to restore the parliament’s independence, one question looms large: will the ruling party listen to these concerns and make necessary changes, or continue to prioritize its own interests above all else?
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
