Thousands of Georgians flooded the streets of Tbilisi on Sunday, demanding the government scrap a controversial “foreign influence” bill.
The legislation, seen as mirroring a repressive Russian law, has sparked outrage and threatens Georgia’s European aspirations.
This latest wave of protests comes after the ruling Georgian Dream party revived the bill in mid-April.
The legislation had been shelved a year prior due to massive public outcry and forceful police intervention.
Critics, including rights groups and opposition parties, believe the bill aims to stifle dissent and silence NGOs by labeling them “foreign agents” if they receive significant overseas funding.
Waving Georgian and European Union flags, roughly 10,000 protestors pledged a “European march” towards the parliament building.
Organizers argue the bill contradicts Georgia’s constitutional commitment to EU membership, a goal supported by over 80% of the population.
Despite the government’s claims of pro-European stance and the bill’s purpose being to promote transparency, many suspect a shift towards Russia.
Opposition leaders like Nika Gvaramia of the Akhali party believe the proposed law and the current government are incompatible with Georgia’s European dreams.
This sentiment is echoed by the EU itself, with Charles Michel, the bloc’s president, warning the bill would hinder Georgia’s EU path.
While Georgia was granted official candidate status in December 2023, the EU has outlined reforms in the judiciary, electoral systems, and press freedom as prerequisites for membership negotiations.
The current political climate and the “foreign influence” bill cast a dark cloud on Georgia’s European aspirations.
