Georgia Parliament Overrides Veto On 'Foreign Agents' Legislation

A demonstrators holds a poster in front of police during an opposition protest against the foreign influence bill at the Parliamentary building in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Sh

In a significant development, the Georgian parliament has overridden President Salome Zourabichvili's veto of the controversial 'foreign agents' legislation. The ruling Georgian Dream party, which controls the legislature, dismissed the president's concerns about the bill, which critics argue will curtail media freedom and hinder Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.

The bill, passed earlier this month, mandates that media outlets, NGOs, and nonprofit organizations must register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power' if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad. President Zourabichvili vetoed the bill on May 18, expressing concerns about its impact on the country's democratic future.

Proponents of the legislation argue that it is necessary to counter foreign interference aimed at destabilizing Georgia. However, many journalists and activists in the country view the bill as an attempt to stifle dissent and limit discussions in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

Law requires media and NGOs to register as 'foreign agents' if funded over 20% from abroad.

Georgian Dream party overrides president's veto on controversial 'foreign agents' legislation.

President Zourabichvili vetoed the bill citing concerns about its impact on democracy.

Proponents argue law necessary to counter foreign interference, critics see it as stifling dissent.

EU and US express reservations, warning of implications on Georgia's EU integration and democracy.

Bill likened to Russian laws to suppress media and civil society, sparking widespread criticism.

Ruling party's decision leads to protests, clashes with police, and accusations of pro-Russian alignment.

The bill's resemblance to laws implemented by Russia to suppress independent media and civil society has led to widespread criticism, with opponents dubbing it 'the Russian law.' The European Union and the United States have expressed reservations about the legislation, warning that it could impede Georgia's progress towards EU integration and democracy.

The ruling party's decision to push through the bill has reignited tensions in Georgia, with renewed protests erupting across the country. Demonstrators have clashed with police, leading to confrontations and the use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

The geopolitical implications of the legislation are significant, with some viewing it as a move to align Georgia more closely with Russia. The opposition United National Movement has accused the ruling party of steering the country towards Moscow's sphere of influence, a claim vehemently denied by Georgian Dream.

As Georgia grapples with internal divisions and external pressures, the fate of the country's democratic trajectory hangs in the balance. The ongoing struggle between pro-Western and pro-Russian forces underscores the complex challenges facing Georgia as it navigates its path towards greater integration with the Euro-Atlantic community.

Despite the political turmoil and international scrutiny, Georgia remains at a crossroads, with its citizens and leaders facing critical decisions that will shape the country's future direction.