Around 50,000 protesters in Georgia marched against the government’s proposed “foreign agents” bill, which would require organizations receiving foreign funding to be labeled as such. The bill, similar to repressive Russian legislation, has been dubbed the “Russian law” by its opponents. Despite the protests, the ruling Georgian Dream party plans to move forward with the bill, sparking criticism from both domestic and international actors. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed alarm over the democratic backsliding in Georgia, while the EU has also condemned the bill and called for the suspension of Georgia’s EU candidate status.
The protesters converged at Europe Square and announced their intention to spend the night at the Georgian parliament building to demonstrate their opposition to the bill. The parliament is set to discuss the bill in its third and final reading between May 13 and 14. The government’s determination to pass the legislation has fueled further dissent among the Georgian population and civil society groups. The ongoing protests highlight the deepening divide between the ruling party and the opposition, with the latter accusing the former of adopting repressive measures reminiscent of the Kremlin’s tactics.
In response to the government’s push for the “foreign agents” bill, the ruling Georgian Dream party organized a massive rally in Tbilisi on April 29, mobilizing tens of thousands of supporters from across the country. The rally aimed to demonstrate widespread backing for the legislation, despite widespread criticism and opposition. Leaders of the party, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladz, defended the bill as necessary for national security and sovereignty. However, the rally and government’s stance have further polarized Georgian society, with many viewing the proposed law as a threat to democratic values and European aspirations.
The international community has also weighed in on the situation in Georgia, with U.S. officials expressing concern over the democratic backsliding and urging Georgian parliamentarians to reconsider their support for the bill. The EU has condemned the legislation as well, warning that it runs counter to democratic principles and could jeopardize Georgia’s progress towards EU membership. The backlash from both domestic and foreign actors underscores the significance of the issue and the potential implications for Georgia’s political future and international relationships. As the protests continue and the government pushes ahead with its agenda, the country finds itself at a critical crossroads in its democratic development.
Despite the growing opposition and criticism, the ruling party remains steadfast in its determination to pass the “foreign agents” bill, citing national security concerns and the need to protect Georgia’s sovereignty. The ongoing unrest and demonstrations underscore the deepening political crisis in the country and the widening gap between the government and the opposition. As Georgia navigates these turbulent waters, the outcome of the parliamentary discussions on the bill will have far-reaching implications for the country’s democratic trajectory and its relations with international partners. The resilience of civil society and the resolve of the Georgian people in defense of their democratic values will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.
