Georgia's Parliament Passes Controversial Foreign Agents Law Amid Protests and Criticism

In a move that has ignited widespread protests and international condemnation, Georgia's parliament speaker has signed into law the controversial 'foreign agents' bill. The legislation, which has come into effect immediately, mandates that civil society and media organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources must report this fact to local authorities and submit to oversight.

The bill, often referred to by its nickname 'Russian law' in resemblance to legislation introduced by the Kremlin, has faced significant opposition from both domestic and international actors. President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the bill, warning that it threatens Georgia's democratic process and its aspirations to join the European Union and NATO. However, the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, overrode her veto with an 84-4 vote in the 150-seat parliament.

Thousands of protesters, primarily young people, have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, chanting 'No Russian law' and waving Georgian and EU flags. The demonstrations have been met with a heavy police presence, with riot police using tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse the crowds. President Zurabishvili has voiced her support for the protesters, urging them to remain vigilant and not let the lawmakers have the final say.

International reactions have been swift and critical. The European Union and several member states have warned that the adoption of the law could jeopardize Georgia's EU aspirations. European Council President Charles Michel described the override of the veto as a 'step backward' for Georgia's European ambitions. The United States has also condemned the parliament's decision, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken announcing a comprehensive review of cooperation with Georgia and new visa restrictions for individuals complicit in undermining democracy.

The context of this legislation is rooted in Georgia's shifting political environment. The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by Russian-friendly tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused of attempting to cement its grip on power ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in October. Critics argue that the law aims to stifle civil society and independent media, echoing tactics used by authoritarian regimes in the region.

Georgia's recent history has been marked by significant geopolitical shifts. The country's aspirations to join the EU and NATO have been complicated by regional dynamics, including Russia's withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan's rising influence. The passage of the foreign agents law signals a potential pivot away from Western alliances and towards closer ties with Moscow.

As Georgia faces this contentious period, the international community will be closely watching the impact of the foreign agents law on the country's democratic institutions and its future trajectory. The upcoming parliamentary elections will serve as a critical juncture for Georgia's political direction and its relationship with the West.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia's parliament passes "foreign agents" bill, sparking protests and international condemnation.
• Law requires organizations with >20% foreign funding to report and submit to oversight.
• President Zurabishvili vetoed the bill, but parliament overrode it with an 84-4 vote.
• EU and US condemn the law, warning it may jeopardize Georgia's EU aspirations and democracy.
• Law seen as attempt to stifle civil society and media, potentially pivoting Georgia towards Russia.