Thousands of Georgians took to the streets in Tbilisi on Sunday to protest against a proposed “foreign agents” bill introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream Party. This recent display of public discontent joins more than a week of similar demonstrations. The controversial bill, which has already passed in its first reading earlier in April, is set for a second reading on Tuesday. Notably, this upcoming plenary session will not be available to online and print journalists.
The “Transparency of Foreign Influence” bill assigns the label of ‘foreign agents’ to entities in Georgia that receive over 20% of their funding from abroad. This would encompass the majority of civil society and media organizations in the country. Critics have denounced the bill for its resemblance to the ‘foreign agents’ law in Russia, which is known for its use in suppressing dissent.
In March 2023, the Georgian government was impelled to withdraw a draft bill similar to this one during its second reading due to significant civil disapproval and protests.
Adding to the international outcry, the European Parliament adopted a resolution last Thursday urging Georgian lawmakers to reconsider the reintroduction of the bill. The resolution clarified that unless the bill is withdrawn, Georgia’s bid to join the EU should not proceed. The adopted document also condemned Georgia’s recently announced bill criminalizing the promotion of same-sex relationships, viewing it as a sign of democratic backsliding impeding Georgia’s EU integration.
The proposed “Transparency of Foreign Influence” bill would require three readings before it can be enacted as law. However, in a recent BBC interview, President Salome Zourabichvili asserted that she would veto the bill even if it garners approval.
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