Batumi businessman Giorgi Putkaradze, founder of the fitness club Reformerfitness, is set to challenge the law prohibiting businesses from engaging in political activity at the Constitutional Court of Georgia.
Putkaradze argues that the amendments adopted on March 4, 2026, violate constitutional protections of freedom of expression and free enterprise.
The businessman said he does not intend to “self-censor” while the case is under review and believes it is important for Constitutional Court judges to examine the issue and publicly state their position.
“I believe that business, as the backbone of the country’s economy, should actively participate in democratic processes, express its views and respond to socio-economic and political developments,” Putkaradze said.
He argues that the legislation’s broad wording and “ambiguity” could allow authorities to selectively target businesses and impose punitive measures.
Putkaradze’s legal challenge is being supported by lawyer Vasil Zhizhiashvili and the Association of Free Businesses. He has also called on other business owners to join the legal dispute.
The Association of Free Businesses said the case aims to protect freedom of expression, free enterprise and the independent voice of the private sector.
“This legal dispute is important not only for one company, but for the entire private sector, as it concerns the principles on which a free and competitive economic environment is based,” the association said.
The amendments to the Criminal Code adopted on March 4 made it a criminal offense for an entrepreneur, legal entity or its responsible representative to publicly engage in political activity unrelated to the entity’s primary business activity.
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said businesses have the right to appeal the law, but must comply with existing legislation until the Constitutional Court issues a final ruling.
“Very good, they have the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court and the Constitutional Court will judge,” Papuashvili said. “If they have appealed, then they should be willing to obey the law.”
The Speaker argued that the disputed provision applies to legal entities rather than individual business owners.
“No one restricts a businessman from making a political statement or expressing an opinion. This does not apply to individuals. This applies to enterprises, legal entities,” Papuashvili said.
He also claimed that businesses adopting political positions could create a hostile environment for customers with different political views, adding that companies should maintain equal treatment of all customers regardless of political preferences.
