Georgia Passes Bill on Foreign Funding Registration

Georgia’s Parliament Advances Controversial “Foreign Agents” Bill Amid Protests

In a significant legislative move, Georgia’s parliament passed a “foreign agents” bill in its final reading on Tuesday. The bill, which has sparked widespread controversy and protests, is now awaiting the signature of President Salome Zourabichvili, who has indicated her intention to veto it. Despite this, the parliament, dominated by the ruling party and its allies, has the power to override the presidential veto.

The debate over the bill was heated, with Georgian television capturing scuffles between members of the ruling party and opposition lawmakers. The bill’s critics, including government opponents and Western nations, have condemned it as authoritarian and reminiscent of Russian policy.

The legislation, which passed with a majority of 84 out of 150 parliament members, stipulates that The bill requires organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, subjecting them to stringent disclosure mandates and harsh penalties for non-compliance. This move has led to opponents labeling it “the Russian law,” drawing parallels to similar Russian statutes used against dissenters of President Vladimir Putin’s administration.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential for ensuring transparency and protecting Georgia from “pseudo-liberal values” imposed by foreign entities. However, about 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building during the debate, expressing their dissent and disappointment as the bill was passed.

The passage of the bill comes at a critical juncture for Georgia, which is vying for closer ties with Europe. The European Union, having recently granted Georgia candidate status, has voiced concerns that the bill could hinder Tbilisi’s integration efforts with the bloc.

Despite the ruling Georgian Dream party’s professed aspirations to join the EU and NATO, its recent anti-Western rhetoric has raised eyebrows. Public opinion polls in Georgia show strong support for EU integration while maintaining a wary stance towards Russia, especially given Moscow’s backing of separatist regions within Georgia.

International reactions have been swift, with the United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, and France urging Georgia to reconsider the bill. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has denied any involvement in the bill’s formulation, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasizing Russia’s non-interference stance.

As Georgia stands at a crossroads between European integration and Russian influence, the fate of the “foreign agents” bill continues to stir intense debate both domestically and internationally.