The governing party in Georgia has submitted a draft law to parliament that would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from overseas. This proposal is similar to one that was withdrawn last year after facing significant opposition. Critics of the measure have labeled it as the “Russian law” due to its resemblance to legislation used in Russia to target independent media and organizations critical of the Kremlin. They argue that passing this law could hinder Georgia’s efforts to join the European Union, as it goes against the EU’s principles of supporting civil society organizations and media freedom.
The draft law specifically targets non-commercial organizations and news media that receive a significant portion of their funding from abroad, requiring them to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” This wording is the only change from the previous version of the draft, which stated that relevant groups must register as “agents of foreign influence.” As the bill was being submitted to parliament, around 150 protestors gathered outside, with the opposition planning larger demonstrations on Tuesday, which coincides with Georgia’s Day of National Unity public holiday.
President Salome Zourabichvili’s representative in parliament, Giorgi Mskhiladze, stated that she would veto the law if it is passed. However, with her term coming to an end this year and changes to the constitution mandating that the next president will be chosen by an electoral college that includes all members of parliament, her ability to block the law may be limited. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the proposed legislation will be enacted despite the opposition it has faced.
The draft law has prompted concerns from the European Union, with Peter Stano, the EU’s foreign-policy arm spokesman, emphasizing the importance of supporting civil society organizations and media freedom for the EU accession process. The European Union granted Georgia candidate status last year, signaling its willingness to consider the country for future membership. The potential passage of this law could complicate Georgia’s path towards EU membership, as it contradicts the values and principles that the EU upholds.
The controversial nature of the draft law and the ongoing protests against it highlight the tensions within Georgian society over issues of media independence, foreign influence, and democratic values. The opposition’s mobilization against the legislation reflects a broader pushback against what they see as attempts to curtail freedom of expression and civil liberties. As the situation continues to evolve, Georgia’s political landscape is likely to be shaped by the outcome of this legislative proposal and the response it elicits from both domestic and international actors.
Amidst growing opposition and criticism, the fate of the draft law remains uncertain. With protests intensifying and concerns mounting over the potential impact on Georgia’s democratic aspirations and EU ambitions, the government faces a challenging decision. The decision to push ahead with this legislation could have far-reaching consequences for Georgia’s international relations, domestic stability, and adherence to democratic norms. It remains to be seen how this contentious issue will be resolved and what implications it may hold for Georgia’s future trajectory.
