The Anti-Corruption Bureau was established in 2022 in response to recommendations issued by the European Commission, which called for strengthening the independence and functional capacity of anti-corruption institutions. Following its establishment, representatives of the Georgian Dream party declared that these recommendations had been fulfilled. In defining the Bureau’s mandate, Parliament did not fully take into account the recommendations put forward by civil society organisations, and from the outset, the institution’s establishment was met with criticism regarding both the scope of its mandate and the adequacy of safeguards for its independence.
It was within this context that the institutional development of the Anti-Corruption Bureau began, with the stated aim of strengthening the institutional framework for combating corruption, ensuring effective monitoring of public officials’ asset declarations, enhancing transparency in political party financing, and providing robust whistleblower protection mechanisms. Nevertheless, from the moment of its establishment, significant concerns emerged regarding the Bureau’s independence, accountability, and overall effectiveness. Over time, these concerns have only intensified, as evidence of bias and the advancement of partisan interests has become increasingly apparent in its activities. Rather than focusing on identifying corruption risks, effectively reviewing and monitoring asset declarations, overseeing political party financing, strengthening whistleblower protection mechanisms, and responding to identified challenges, the Bureau’s primary function has, in practice, shifted towards targeting civil society organisations.
The expansion of the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s functions, including the transfer of enforcement mechanisms related to the so-called “FARA” legislation and the Law on Grants—conferred upon the agency a new role, the apparent purpose of which was to target civil society organisations and critical media outlets. As a result, an institution originally established to combat corruption increasingly came to be perceived as an instrument of political control. This development runs counter to both the standards set out in the recommendations of the European Commission and the fundamental principles of democratic governance. Until its abolition, the Bureau remained one of the key mechanisms through which Georgian Dream advanced its partisan interests, failing to effectively fulfil any of the core functions defined under its mandate. As of 2 March 2026, the Anti-Corruption Bureau has been formally abolished, with its mandate transferred to the State Audit Office of Georgia.
The case of
former de facto deputies of South Ossetia’s de facto parliament, David Sanakoyev,
Garry Muldarov and Dzambolat Medoyev, who are appealing the decision to revoke
their citizenship of the Russian Federation, remains unresolved to date.
To silence critical media, “Georgian Dream” tries to use financial sanctions. Following several television, online and radio broadcasters, regional media have now also been affected.
Issuance of movement permits, required for travel within and beyond Akhalgori district, has been resumed.
