TBILISI: Thousands of Georgians protested again on Wednesday, as parliament advanced a controversial “foreign influence” bill, despite weeks of demonstrations and warnings from Brussels that it would damage Tbilisi’s European Union aspirations.
The bill, which has sparked widespread condemnation and fears of stifling dissent, saw lawmakers voting 83 to 23 in favor of adoption during a second reading. The ruling Georgian Dream party aims to enact the legislation into law by mid-May, asserting that it seeks to enhance transparency surrounding foreign funding of NGOs.
However, critics argue that the proposed law bears resemblance to repressive measures employed by Russia to suppress dissent, prompting concerns over its potential implications for freedom of expression and civil society.
The escalation of tensions follows a night of clashes between police forces and protesters, with authorities resorting to tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The European Union condemned the use of force, further exacerbating the divide between the government and demonstrators.
Despite the persistent outcry, President Salome Zurabishvili, who holds the power to veto the measure, is expected to face opposition from the ruling party, which maintains sufficient parliamentary support to override any veto.
Under the proposed legislation, independent NGOs and media outlets receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad would be required to register as “organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” The move has drawn parallels to previous attempts to introduce similar measures, which were ultimately abandoned in the face of mass protests.
The contentious bill comes amidst preparations for parliamentary elections in October, viewed as a crucial test of democratic principles in the EU-aspiring Black Sea nation. Georgia’s aspirations for closer ties with the West have been marred by accusations of political maneuvering by the ruling party, prompting scrutiny from European leaders.
EU chief Charles Michel has denounced the bill as incompatible with Georgia’s ambitions for EU membership, warning that it would hinder progress towards closer integration. Despite being granted official candidate status by the EU in December, Georgia must address a range of issues, including judicial and electoral reforms, political polarization, press freedom, and oligarchic influence, before formal membership talks can commence.
