Georgia's President Urges Citizens to Collect Signatures for Referendum on Country's Future

In a bold move to counter the Georgian Parliament's recent decision, President Salome Zourabichvili has called on citizens to collect signatures for a referendum that will determine the country's future direction. The referendum will ask whether Georgia wants a European future or to align more closely with Russia.

This appeal comes in the wake of the Georgian Parliament's decision to override President Zourabichvili's veto on the controversial Transparency of Foreign Influence law. The law, which critics have labeled as 'Russian-inspired,' requires media outlets and NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as 'foreign agents.'

In a video address to protesters gathered near the parliament, President Zourabichvili criticized the 84 MPs who voted for the law, stating that they 'will not be able to change the future of this country.' She emphasized the importance of citizen involvement, urging Georgians to collect signatures to sign the referendum petition.

Why this matters: The outcome of the referendum will have significant implications for Georgia's future direction and its relationships with European countries and Russia. If the referendum favors a European future, it could lead to increased economic and political integration with the EU, while a pro-Russian outcome could result in closer ties with Moscow.

'Do we want a European future, or do we want Russian slavery? 84 people cannot make this decision. We will decide together,' Zourabichvili declared, rallying the crowd. She also called on the youth to defend the elections and ensure a high turnout on October 26, the date set for the referendum.

The Georgian Parliament's decision has sparked widespread controversy and anger among citizens, with many viewing the law as a threat to independent media and civil society organizations. The European Union has warned that the adoption of this law implies a derogation from three of the nine European integration recommendations for Tbilisi.

International reaction has been swift, with the US announcing that it will review cooperation with Georgia and introduce visa restrictions as a result of the law on 'foreign agents.' The EU has called on Georgia to return to the EU path and withdraw its support for the document.

President Zourabichvili's call for a referendum is seen as a direct response to the Parliament's actions and a way to give citizens a say in the country's future. She has pledged to secure support from Georgia's partners and allies, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity.

As Georgia approaches the October 26 elections, the outcome of the referendum will be pivotal in determining the country's path. The President's appeal highlights the significance of this moment in Georgia's history, urging citizens to take action and shape their future.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia's President calls for referendum on European vs. Russian alignment.
• Referendum follows Parliament's override of President's veto on "foreign agents" law.
• Law requires media outlets and NGOs to register as "foreign agents" if >20% funded abroad.
• EU and US criticize law, threaten sanctions and visa restrictions.
• Referendum outcome will determine Georgia's future direction and international relations.