Tbilisi accelerates anti-oligarchy law

Request for EU membership follows the similar one adopted in Ukraine. Approved in parliament at first reading amid protests from the opposition, which claims it is a weapon against politicians disliked by the government. Georgian Dream founder Ivanišvili excluded from its measures as a "patron and benefactor".

Tbilisi (AsiaNews) - In Georgia, the new law known as the "de-oligarchisation" law, a term imposed by Europe as one of the conditions for Tbilisi to become a member of the EU, could come into force very soon. The parliament approved the text in the first reading, copying it entirely from the similar Ukrainian law, thereby provoking much protest from the opposition, most of which did not take part in the vote.

The opponents of the majority fear that the law could be used as a weapon against politicians disliked by the Georgian Dream, the ruling party, starting with former president Mikhail Saakashvili, in prison and in poor health. The party president Iraklij Kobakhidze has spoken of him in recent days, promising to implement the de-oligarchization decree as soon as possible, and accusing the opponents of the National Movement of 'only being interested in bringing the oligarchs back to power, like Saakashvili and Kezerašvili, and not in fulfilling the demands of Europe... We want to act in the country's sole interest, and do not want to see the return of those who have accumulated millions and billions in blood on the skin of our people'.

The ex-president is associated in various accusations with his main supporter, former defence minister David Kezerašvili, now owner of the opposition TV channel 'Formula', as well as bankers Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Džaparidze, the leaders of the liberal-nationalist 'Lelo' party. In contrast, the founder of the Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanišvili, the richest man in Georgia, cannot be considered an oligarch by his associates, but only 'a patron and a benefactor'.

The paradox is that the National Movement opposes the Ukrainian legislative model after being its main supporter, as Saakashvili himself was one of its inspirers during his political activity in Ukraine. Party leader Khatija Dekanoidze, in declaring her vote against, explained that the new law 'intends to put Ivanišvili above the law', where his influence on politics would be undeniable, while 'this cosmetic law is only used against opponents'. The Movement promised some time ago to present an alternative bill, but has so far failed to find an acceptable formula.

The vice-speaker in the minority quota, Levan Ioseliani of the 'Citizens' party, went against the trend, agreeing to participate in the parliamentary committee for the preparation of laws corresponding to EU demands. However, he too contested some points of the law on oligarchs, voting against it because 'the law does not correspond to our reality; we have to make a law for Georgians, just as the Ukrainians and Moldovans make laws for their own peoples... we have other types of oligarchs'.

According to the various oppositions, several layers of the system set up by Ivanišvili at the time of his leadership remain in all organs of power, with many people from his inner circle and financial structures. The Ukrainian authorities themselves have placed some members of this 'pro-Russian caste' under sanctions, prompting protests from the Georgian Dream. Opponents hope that Ivanišvili himself will be included among the sanctioned, before the six months within which Brussels' response on Tbilisi's new laws is expected.

• Georgia
• Tbilisi
• oligarchs
• Ukraine
• EU
• Georgian Dream
• Ivanišvili