In a demonstration of solidarity and defiance, approximately 50,000 Georgians marched through the rain-drenched streets of Tbilisi on Saturday, denouncing the controversial “foreign agents” bill. The bill, which has ignited a political firestorm in the country, requires organizations receiving significant foreign funding to register as “agents of foreign influence.”
Georgia’s ambassador to France has resigned over his country’s draft law on “foreign agents”, which opponents say is inspired by Russia and threatens free speech. Gotcha Javakhishvili also warned the bill would draw the South Caucasus nation away from its path of EU integration
What is the Foreign Agents Bill?
The “foreign agents” bill of Georgia is a piece of legislation that requires organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence.” This bill has sparked controversy and protests in Georgia, with many viewing it as a threat to democracy and an attempt to stifle civil society.
Critics argue that the foreign agents bill could be used to target and suppress dissenting voices, as well as to undermine Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The bill has drawn international criticism, particularly from the United States and the European Union, who see it as a step backwards for Georgia’s democratic development.
U.S. Expresses Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding in Georgia
The United States, through White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, voiced deep apprehension over what it perceives as democratic regression in Georgia. Sullivan emphasized that the country faces a pivotal juncture, where it must choose between honoring the will of its people for Euro-Atlantic integration or embracing laws reminiscent of the Kremlin’s authoritarian style.
Despite the inclement weather, the demonstrators, spanning generations, waved Georgian, European Union, and Ukrainian flags, underscoring their unwavering commitment to European values and aspirations. Notably, the protest saw a significant presence of older individuals alongside the youth, reflecting a broad-based rejection of the proposed legislation.
Georgia’s Resolve Amid Political Crisis
The Georgian Dream party-led Parliament, amidst mounting pressure, is set to commence committee hearings on the bill’s final reading. The ongoing crisis, characterized by mass demonstrations and political gridlock, has sharply divided the ruling party and opposition factions, triggering a fundamental debate on Georgia’s democratic trajectory.
The proposed legislation has drawn sharp rebuke from international quarters, with the European Union warning of potential impediments to further integration if the bill is enacted. The U.S. has echoed these sentiments, cautioning against actions that could isolate Georgia from its Western allies and undermine its longstanding aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration.
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Despite widespread opposition, the Georgian Dream party has defended the foreign agents bill, framing it as a safeguard for national sovereignty and transparency. Founder Bidzina Ivanishvili contends that the law is necessary to prevent external manipulation and safeguard Georgia’s interests in the face of geopolitical tensions.
NGOs would be monitored by the justice ministry and would face heavy fines if they refused to share sensitive information.
Opponents are worried the legislation could be used to silence critical voices ahead of parliamentary elections later this year. They call the Foreign Agents Bill the Russian Law.
Several European leaders have warned it is not compatible with European values. Our relationship is supposed to be based on shared values and on support for a strong civil society where lists of ‘enemies of the people’ and anonymous phone calls have no place as per EU Leaders.
In a scathing critique, Sullivan accused the ruling party of adopting policies and rhetoric contrary to the aspirations of the Georgian people. He warned that such actions risk alienating Georgia from its Western partners, undercutting longstanding alliances and jeopardizing the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, which will have an impact on Georgia.
