Six opposition parties in Georgia are calling for mass protests against a government bill on “foreign agents” that they believe is aimed at blocking the country’s path towards the European Union and NATO. The bill, which has similarities to legislation used by Russia to suppress dissent, has resulted in three nights of protests in the capital city of Tbilisi. Up to 10,000 protesters gathered outside parliament and marched on the prime minister’s office, resulting in 13 detentions and one police officer injury.
The opposition parties condemned the ruling Georgian Dream party for supporting the bill, stating that it goes against the Constitution of Georgia and the country’s aspirations to become a member of the EU and NATO. They specifically called out Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, for trying to sabotage Georgia’s European future. The bill would require organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents. Georgian Dream argues that the bill promotes transparency and combats foreign influence.
The bill was backed by 83 of parliament’s 150 deputies in its first reading, with opposition parties boycotting the vote. The European Union and the U.S. State Department have expressed concerns that the bill could hinder Georgia’s path to EU membership and limit freedom of expression. The State Department spokesperson stated that the bill could stigmatize organizations that provide benefits to Georgian citizens and impede independent media organizations.
Georgia’s pro-European opposition is fragmented, with divisions over the legacy of jailed former president Mikheil Saakashvili. Despite these divisions, six opposition parties, including Saakashvili’s United National Movement, have come together to oppose the bill and call for protests. The opposition parties praised the protesters for their “fighting spirit” and vowed to continue their efforts to protect Georgia’s sovereignty and European aspirations. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the bill’s initiation.
The bill must pass two more readings to become law, but the opposition parties are determined to fight against it. They believe that the bill threatens Georgia’s democratic values and could lead to further restrictions on freedom of speech and media. The protests in Tbilisi are expected to continue as the opposition parties work to mobilize support against the bill and protect Georgia’s European future. Ultimately, the outcome of this battle between the government and opposition will have far-reaching implications for Georgia’s relations with the EU and NATO.
