**Georgian Parliament Vice-Speaker Speaks Out Against “Black Money” in Non-Governmental Organizations**
In a scathing critique, Gia Volski, the Vice-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, has accused non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of operating with “black money” and violating all principles. According to him, these groups should be transparent about their funding sources, which he believes is essential for accountability.
**The Problem with NGO Financing**
Volski’s comments come at a time when the financing of NGOs has become a contentious issue in Georgia. He argues that without transparency, it’s impossible to know where this money comes from or how it’s being used. This lack of clarity has led him to conclude that we’re talking about “black money” – essentially, money with no clear origin or purpose.
**The Georgian Government’s Stance**
In contrast, Volski emphasized that the Georgian government operates on a different principle. He stated that Georgia acts in its national interests, prioritizing de-occupation, European integration, and maintaining stability. He pointed out that according to World Bank data, Georgia is doing better than many EU candidate countries, including Poland.
**A Critique of EU High Representative Kaja Kallas**
Volski also took aim at the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas. While he acknowledged her as a “nice woman,” he accused her of serving the interests of a particular group without questioning their motivations. Specifically, he asked why she doesn’t answer questions about her husband’s business dealings in Russia, particularly after Russia attacked Ukraine and made millions of dollars.
This commentary provides deeper analysis into the issues surrounding NGO financing and the differing stances of the Georgian government versus EU representatives like Kaja Kallas.