**Georgian Dream Hits Back at Transparency International Georgia’s Claims**
The ruling party in Georgia, Georgian Dream, has issued a statement criticizing the non-governmental organization Transparency International Georgia for spreading “disinformation” about its Honorary Chairman, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The controversy surrounds Ivanishvili’s asset declaration, with Transparency International Georgia claiming that he was required to submit one after the 2024 parliamentary elections due to his short tenure as an MP.
**The Issue at Hand**
According to Transparency International Georgia, Ivanishvili should have submitted an asset declaration because his term in office exceeded two months. However, Georgian Dream disputes this claim, arguing that as a candidate for parliamentary membership during the 2024 elections, Ivanishvili filled out and submitted his property declaration on October 4, 2024.
**The Law Says Otherwise**
Georgian Dream points to the law, stating that a person is exempted from submitting an asset declaration if their term in office does not exceed two months. In this case, Ivanishvili’s term as an MP was terminated after just over two months, making him eligible for exemption.
**Not Just Once, But Twice**
This is not the first time Transparency International Georgia has been accused of spreading misinformation about Ivanishvili’s asset declaration. The ruling party claims that the non-governmental organization is “once again trying to mislead the public with speculative statements and propagate lies.”
**The Real Story**
Radio Liberty had previously requested Ivanishvili’s property declaration as a candidate for parliamentary membership from the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and published an article about it on October 31, 2024. This, Georgian Dream claims, proves that Ivanishvili did indeed submit his asset declaration.
**A Misinformed Public**
Georgian Dream is concerned that Transparency International Georgia’s “disinformation” will mislead the public, causing unnecessary confusion and concern. The ruling party is calling on the non-governmental organization to refrain from spreading speculative statements and lies about Ivanishvili’s asset declaration.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
