USA‑Georgia tensions rise over 'Foreign Agents' bill and Visa sanctions

The ruling Georgian Dream party in Georgia accused the USA of policy of "threats and blackmail." This was a reaction to a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who announced visa restrictions for people deemed responsible for "undermining democracy" in Georgia.

The political council of Georgian Dream stated that the policy of blackmail and threats conducted against Georgia is not only unbefitting of strategic partnership but also generally contrary to the spirit of partnership that should prevail between two sovereign states.

Blinken's statement and the "blackmail" over visa restrictions were described as a "blatant attempt to limit Georgia’s independence and sovereignty," adding that such sanctions are seen as "counterproductive."

On Friday at 01:00 GMT, the U.S. Secretary of State communicated that the United States will review its cooperation with Georgia following the passage of a law on so-called foreign agents by the Georgian parliament. He also announced the introduction of visa restrictions for individuals deemed responsible for "undermining democracy" in Georgia.

For over a month, Georgia has witnessed massive protests against the law on so-called foreign agents, also known as the agents' law or the Russian law. Critics argue it will enable the authorities to dismantle civil society and introduce an authoritarian governance model in the Russian style.

Why did Georgian Dream pull the law out of the drawer (they tried to pass it a year earlier but succumbed to the pressure of protests)?

We can assume that it is most likely about greater control over the flow of money and the financing of civil society, as well as greater social control ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for late October. According to polls, Georgian Dream is expected to win them, but they are most likely aiming for the highest possible victory that would guarantee a constitutional majority and the ability to elect a president.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the controversial law. However, the ruling party has enough votes to override the presidential veto. The chamber is set to begin this procedure on 27 May.

In December 2023, Georgia obtained the status of a candidate country for EU membership, but the law targeting "foreign agents" jeopardises Tbilisi's relations with Brussels.