The Georgian parliament passed the controversial “foreign agents” bill in its third reading on May 14. This bill requires organizations receiving foreign funding to be labeled as “foreign agents,” raising concerns about government suppression of opposition and civil society. Similar to Russian legislation, it has been met with protests and criticism from the EU and the U.S.
Despite opposition, the bill was supported by 84 lawmakers, with 30 voting against it. President Salome Zourabichvili had expressed intent to veto, but the ruling Georgian Dream party has the votes to override it. As protests intensify, discontent grows over the government’s direction.
Explainer: What’s behind ongoing protests in Georgia?
The protests, rooted in opposition to the foreign agents law, reflect broader dissatisfaction with the government’s policies.
