Thousands of Georgians took to the streets again on Wednesday as their parliament advanced a bill on “foreign influence,” despite fierce protests and international condemnation. The European Union (EU) has warned that the legislation could jeopardize Georgia’s aspirations to join the bloc.
The bill, approved for a second reading in a vote of 83 to 23, has drawn criticism for its resemblance to a restrictive Russian law targeting dissent.
The ruling Georgian Dream party argues it promotes transparency by requiring non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power.”
Critics, however, fear it could be used to silence independent voices. This concern is amplified by the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on anti-government protesters the night before the vote. The EU has condemned the police action and warned that the bill “is not consistent with Georgia’s bid for EU membership.”
President Salome Zurabishvili, who opposes the bill, is expected to veto it. However, Georgian Dream holds enough votes to override her veto. This development comes ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in October, seen as a test of democratic progress in the Black Sea nation.
The legislation adds another layer of tension to Georgia’s foreign policy. While the country has strived for closer ties with the West, Georgian Dream has faced accusations of leaning towards Russia. The EU has outlined specific reforms Georgia needs to implement before membership talks can begin, including improvements in the judicial and electoral systems, press freedom, and curbing the influence of oligarchs.
The fate of the “foreign influence” bill and Georgia’s response to these demands will likely determine its path towards the EU. With thousands protesting and European support hanging in the balance, the future of Georgia’s democratic journey remains uncertain.
