Critics are concerned about the potential impact of a recent law enacted by the Georgian parliament on media freedom and the country’s ambitions to become a member of the European Union. Critics contend that this legislation is reminiscent of the severe legislation that suppressed political dissent in neighboring Russia.
Georgian parliamentarians ignored weeks of significant protests in the capital against the “foreign agent” law, during which thousands of individuals expressed their dissatisfaction with Russia, by endorsing the proposed legislation.
According to Reuters, a significant intersection in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, was obstructed by tens of thousands of demonstrators on Tuesday. Protesters convened outside the parliament on Wednesday.
The legislation is scheduled for presidential sanction prior to its implementation. President Salome Zourabichvili, who is increasingly disassociated from the governing party, has expressed her intention to veto the bill. Nevertheless, the Georgian Dream Party, which presently occupies the majority, possesses the requisite number of votes to override her veto.
A discussion of the divisive law and the cause of the commotion that has surrounded it is provided below.
What is the purpose of the “foreign agent” statute?
Under the proposed legislation, media, nongovernmental organizations, and other nonprofits would be required to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive funding from foreign sources that exceeds 20%.
On May 15, 2024, protesters gathered outside the parliament in Tbilisi to voice their opposition to the “external influence” law.
The law is virtually identical to the one that the Georgian Dream Party, which was in power, was compelled to withdraw last year in response to comparable protests. On Tuesday, this version was approved by Parliament for its third and final reading.
The governing party maintains that the law is essential to prevent unidentified foreign actors from attempting to destabilize Georgia and to mitigate what it considers to be detrimental foreign influence on the political scene.
Moscow employs comparable legislation to stigmatize independent news media and organizations that are critical of the Kremlin, which is why the opposition refers to it as “the Russian law.” Georgia’s opposition legislators have accused the ruling party of attempting to integrate the country into Russia’s sphere of influence.
What is the nature of Georgia’s relationship with Russia?
Georgia’s transition from a Soviet republic in 1991 and the subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union have resulted in strained and turbulent relations between Russia and Georgia.
In 2008, Russia engaged in a brief conflict with Georgia, which had failed to regain control over the separatist province of South Ossetia. Subsequently, Moscow acknowledged South Ossetia and another separatist province, Abkhazia, as independent states and fortified its military presence in the region. Both regions are still regarded as part of Georgia by the majority of the global population.
Despite the recent improvement in Russia-Georgia relations, the status of the two regions remains a significant source of tension, as Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Moscow.
The United National Movement, the opposition party, accuses Georgian Dream of serving Moscow’s interests. Georgian Dream was established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and tycoon who amassed his wealth in Russia. The governing party denies this accusation.
What is the EU’s stance?
The parliament’s decision was deemed “a very concerning development” by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who also cautioned that the final adoption of this legislation would have a detrimental effect on Georgia’s pursuit of EU membership.
Borrell had previously stated that the law was “not in line with EU fundamental norms and values” and would restrict the freedom of media and civil society.
Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, stated following the passage of the law that “in order to qualify for membership in the EU, they must adhere to the fundamental principles of the rule of law and democratic principles.” He also stated that the EU would closely monitor the situation in Hungary and take action if necessary.
