Georgia's Controversial Legislation: A Nod to Russian Influence?

The Parliament of Georgia has given its initial approval to a law referred to as the Foreign Agents Law, which aims to increase transparency concerning foreign influences. Critics are concerned that this law could be employed as a tool to suppress opposition and civil society groups, mirroring practices observed in Russia.

According to Interpressnews.ge, on Tuesday, legislators voted in support of the bill during its first reading, with 83 votes in favour. The Georgian Dream party, which enjoys a majority in the 150-seat parliament, spearheaded the bill's revival. This move came after they had previously pulled back from instigating the law last year due to extensive protests and criticism from Western countries.

Despite the resurgence of many Georgians protesting on the streets, the party remains steadfast, dismissing criticisms and calls from the US, EU, and various international bodies as "intrusions into internal affairs".

Major protests erupted in the heart of Tbilisi on Monday and Tuesday, resulting in several arrests, with the police resorting to tear gas. Additionally, there were reports of journalists and protestors being subjected to violence.

The ruling party in Georgia, currently in its third term and eyeing a fourth in the upcoming autumn elections, ostensibly advocates for European integration but faces growing accusations of harbouring a preference for Russia. President Salome Zurabishvili has recently dubbed Georgian Dream "the dream of Russia".

This proposed legislation, inspired by a similar law in Russia and thus dubbed the "Russian law" or "law on foreign agents", mandates that any organization receiving over 20 percent of its funding from foreign sources must register and report as foreign influence agents.

Voices from the US, EU, and UN have raised alarms over the revival of this bill, urging the Georgian government to step back from the proposal. They argue that it contradicts Georgia's ambitions towards European integration, pointing out that Georgia was granted candidate status for the European Union in December 2023.