Georgia’s parliament has passed a contentious “foreign agents” bill despite widespread domestic protests and warnings from the European Union that it could jeopardize the country’s EU membership aspirations. The law mandates organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence,” drawing sharp comparisons to restrictive Russian legislation.
Main Key Points:
Passage Amidst Protests and Political Tensions:
The bill was passed with 84 lawmakers in favor and 30 against, leading to immediate protests in Tbilisi.
Riot police intervened after some protesters breached the barriers and entered the parliament grounds.
Domestic Opposition and Presidential Veto:
President Salome Zourabichvili has vowed to veto the bill, which parliament can override with a simple majority.
Zourabichvili has labeled the legislation a “Russian law” and highlighted its potential to undermine civil society.
International Concerns and EU Membership:
The European Union has warned that the bill’s enactment would harm Georgia’s chances of joining the bloc.
The United States has also expressed concerns about the bill and the risk of “democratic backsliding” in Georgia.
Ruling Party’s Stance and Historical Context:
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, argues the bill promotes transparency and sovereignty.
Critics point to Georgian Dream’s perceived pro-Russian sympathies, given its founder’s ties to the Soviet Union.
Public Sentiment and Protests:
Protests have been ongoing in Tbilisi, with significant public opposition to what is seen as a move towards Russian-style governance.
Demonstrations have intensified, with around 50,000 people protesting on a recent Sunday.
Geopolitical Implications:
The bill’s passage is seen by many as part of Moscow’s broader strategy to maintain influence in the region.
Georgia’s historical context, including the 2008 Russian invasion and current occupation of 20% of its territory, fuels anti-Russian sentiment.
The passage of Georgia’s “foreign agents” bill has ignited significant domestic and international controversy, threatening the country’s aspirations for EU membership and raising concerns about its democratic trajectory. As protests continue and the political battle unfolds, the future of Georgia’s alignment with the West hangs in the balance.
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Source: TheGuardian
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