Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party faced massive protests as they passed the controversial “foreign influence” bill on May 14. Despite opposition and criticism, the bill was adopted in a chaotic parliamentary session by 84 votes to 30.
The bill, aimed at enhancing transparency in funding for NGOs and media, is seen by the opposition as a restriction on their activities. President Salome Zurabishvili is expected to veto the bill, but Georgian Dream plans to override her decision, sparking political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections in October.
Protests erupted across Georgia, with demonstrators demanding a more democratic society and condemning the government’s alleged autocratic trajectory. As tensions escalated, clashes with authorities led to numerous arrests.
An anti-government protester criticized the current regime for stifling progress and pointed to neighboring countries like Armenia and Moldova as more advanced in fostering democratic values. The ongoing turmoil underscores the deep-seated divisions and aspirations for change in Georgia’s political landscape.
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