The Statement of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Alumni on the Parliament of Georgia Adopting the Law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”

The Statement of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Alumni on the Parliament of Georgia Adopting the Law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”

On March 7, 2023, the Georgian Parliament passed the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” in its first hearing.

We, Alumni of Forbes 30 Under 30 Georgia, join the protest of Georgian citizens and condemn the adoption of legislation in the Parliament of Georgia, which threatens the European and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia ensured by the Constitution.

We often hear that the future of Georgia belongs to the youth. Many of us have attained success in diverse fields such as art, science, technology, finance, and innovation thanks to the educational opportunities made possible by the generous assistance of Georgia’s genuine friends. With support from our European and American partners, we were able to pursue education at some of the world’s leading universities. It is unacceptable that our future generations are deprived of similar opportunities, which are vital for the development and progress of our nation.

Acknowledging our shared responsibility to safeguard Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic future. We strongly oppose the adoption of the abovementioned legislation and call upon Georgia’s legislative body, the Parliament of Georgia, to protect the future guaranteed by the Constitution. We call the Parliament to urgently call the second hearing and vote down the legislation adopted at the first hearing.

We strongly oppose the adoption of the aforementioned legislation and urge the Parliament of Georgia to protect the European future ensured by our Constitution. We urge the Parliament to expedite the second reading and vote against the legislation that was passed in the first reading at the plenary hearing. Additionally, ensure that the alternative version(s) of the legislation are unconditionally retracted through the signature of all initiators, without any conditions or reservations.

Alumni of Forbes 30 Under 30 Georgia:

The signatories list will be updated.