Pro-EU Protesters Rally in Tbilisi Against 'Foreign Agents' Bill Override

Thousands of protesters have gathered outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, to oppose lawmakers' decision to override President Salome Zourabichvili's veto of the controversial foreign agents bill. The bill, which has sparked large protests and international condemnation, would require non-governmental organizations and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funds from foreign donors to register as 'organizations bearing the interests of a foreign power.'

The ruling Georgian Dream party is set to override the presidential veto, despite calls from seven European parliaments to withdraw the law. Protesters began gathering at the parliament's central entrance at 11:00, with a larger rally scheduled for 17:00. Masked police have been reported inside the parliament building, and representatives from online media have been barred from entering.

President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed the legislation, stating that it is 'fundamentally Russian, contradicting our constitution and all European standards' and represents an obstacle to Georgia's European path. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has warned that the law's approval would impact Georgia's EU path.

The bill has sparked widespread outrage among civil society groups and many Georgians, who argue that it would stifle independent media and NGOs. Michael Roth, chairman of the German Bundestag's foreign affairs committee, has urged Georgian lawmakers to vote against the law, saying 'the message of the Georgian people is crystal clear: Stop the foreign agent law!'

Why this matters: The passage of the foreign agents bill could have significant implications for Georgia's democracy and its relationship with the West, potentially undermining its bid to join the European Union. If the bill is approved, it could lead to a crackdown on independent media and NGOs, eroding the country's democratic institutions and threatening its stability.

The crisis has taken on a symbolic meaning, with many seeing it as a test of Georgia's democracy and its relationship with the West. The European Union and several member states, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, France, Netherlands, and Poland, have warned Georgian lawmakers not to override the presidential veto.

Thousands of mostly young people marched in Tbilisi on Georgia's Independence Day, calling on the ruling party to scrap the law. Protesters chanted 'No Russian law' and 'No to the Russian regime' while waving Georgian and EU flags. The United States has warned Georgian Dream that ignoring criticism and cracking down violently on protesters will have negative consequences.

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced visa restrictions on Georgian government officials and a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with Tbilisi over the foreign agent legislation. 'Our fight is tireless, although they thought that we would get exhausted,' said writer Lasha Bugadze. 'Neither will we get tired in the coming days, not until the Russian law is withdrawn and Georgia becomes part of Europe.'

The protests are expected to continue growing throughout the day, with many Georgians seeing the law as a threat to their country's future and democracy. The outcome of the parliamentary vote will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands protest in Tbilisi against Georgia's "foreign agents" bill.
• Bill requires NGOs/media with 20%+ foreign funding to register as "foreign power" agents.
• EU, US, and 7 European parliaments condemn the bill, warning of democratic erosion.
• President Zourabichvili vetoed the bill, citing it as "fundamentally Russian" and anti-European.
• Outcome of parliamentary vote will impact Georgia's EU bid and democratic stability.