Georgia's Prime Minister Vows No 'Maidan'-Style Uprising Amid Protests

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has declared there will be no 'Maidan'-style uprising in Georgia, amid escalating protests against a controversial foreign agent law. The law, which mirrors a repressive Russian measure, has sparked widespread discontent and international criticism.

Kobakhidze's statement came as thousands of protesters marched in Tbilisi, opposing the legislation that targets media and NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad. The Prime Minister emphasized that maintaining the country's independence is the government's top priority.

In a statement to reporters, Kobakhidze drew a parallel with Ukraine's 2014 Maidan revolution, which led to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych. He warned of the consequences, stating, 'As for the parallel between the ‘Maidan’ and the processes taking place in Georgia, I want to inform everyone that no one will attain ‘Maidan’ in Georgia. Let me remind what consequences the ‘Maidan’ had for Ukraine. Then the leadership of Ukraine was appointed from outside, once, then a second time, and in the end the appointer took no accountability for the development of events.'

The ongoing protests and political turmoil in Georgia have significant implications for the country's future political and economic outlook, and its bid for European Union membership. If the government's controversial foreign agent law is not repealed, it could lead to a decline in democratic values and further isolate Georgia from the international community.

The controversial foreign agent law has faced significant opposition from both domestic and international actors. On May 28, Georgian lawmakers overrode President Salome Zurabishvili's veto of the law with an 84-4 vote in the 150-seat parliament. The ruling Georgian Dream party pushed through the override despite last-minute appeals from the European Union and several member states.

Critics argue that the legislation was introduced to cement the ruling party's grip on power ahead of elections later this year, potentially jeopardizing Georgia's European integration candidacy. The European Council President, Charles Michel, described the adoption of the law as 'a step backward' for Georgia's European aspirations.

The United States has also condemned the parliament's decision. Senator Ben Cardin referred to the Georgian Dream vote as a 'sad day for Georgia,' reaffirming Washington's determination to support the aspirations of the Georgian people. 'The people have demonstrated that they will not allow Ivanishvili to destroy their democracy, take away their European future. We stand with them,' Cardin stated.

In response to international criticism, Prime Minister Kobakhidze defended the law, asserting that it is necessary to promote transparency and safeguard Georgia's sovereignty. He criticized foreign officials' involvement in domestic affairs, citing the example of Ukraine's Maidan protests, which he claimed led to economic decline and territorial loss.

Protests in Tbilisi have continued, with demonstrators waving Georgian and EU flags and chanting slogans against the law. President Zurabishvili addressed the crowd via video link, urging them not to let the 84 lawmakers who voted for the bill have the final say. 'The 84 deputies who voted for the law are nobody compared to those who are here today, the new Georgia, the Georgia of the future,' she said.

As Georgia faces this period of political turmoil, the international community will be closely watching the developments. The country's path towards European integration hangs in the balance, with significant implications for its future political and economic trajectory.

Key Takeaways

• Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze rules out "Maidan"-style uprising amid protests against foreign agent law.
• Law targets media and NGOs receiving >20% foreign funding, sparking widespread criticism and protests.
• EU and US condemn law, warning it may harm Georgia's EU membership bid and democratic values.
• President Salome Zurabishvili vetoes law, but parliament overrides it with 84-4 vote.
• Protests continue, with demonstrators demanding law's repeal and supporting EU integration.